14-12-2011

18,000 COPIES WEEKLY

Wednesday 14th December, 2011. Vol. 4, Issue 50. 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel: 042 9320888 Fax: 042 9329676 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Shop robbed twice in same weekendMidas Jewellers in the Long-walk Shopping Centre were the unfortunate victims of not just one but two break-ins over the weekend.

The first theft occurred during the early hours of Saturday morning when a man broke into the Long-walk Shopping Centre at 3.15am. He then proceeded to smash the window of Mi-das Jewellers before grab-bing watches and jewellery from the window display.

The crime was reported to the Gardai and the window was fixed while the owners tried to assess how much jewellery the thief had got away with.

Unbelievably, the same shop was the target of thieves again less than 48 hours later

when a man again smashed the window of Midas Jew-ellers in the early hours of Monday morning, stealing watches and jewellery from the same window display as the previous robbery.

Speaking after the second robbery, Stephen Burns of Midas said all the staff were in shock after the robberies.

“It’s bad enough getting robbed once but it’s abso-lutely shocking that we’ve been targeted twice over the same weekend.

“We don’t how much the thieves got away with as we are in the process of as-sessing our stock at the mo-ment.

“We’re not exactly sure how the thieves got into the centre at this stage.

See page 33

Three communities are still in shock this week following the fatal shooting of a man in the quiet estate of Lis na Dara. The peace of the peaceful estate

was shattered at 4am on Sunday last when James hughes (35) from Crossmaglen was shot while in a taxi after a night out in Dundalk. he was one of three people who were in the vehicle

at the time, a twenty-one year old woman who had recently moved into the area and the taxi driver sustained injuries.

Full story Page 2

By Paul Byrne

By Niamh KirkMan shot dead after night out

Jedward have made a Dun-dalk girl’s dream come true by arrang-ing for Lynsey Reilly to meet her favourite band ‘The Sat-urdays’See Page 6

DunDalk leaDer 14th December 20112

FIne Gael Louth TD, Pe-ter Fitzpatrick, has criti-cised the publication of photographs of one of the victims of this weekend’s shooting in Louth by a na-tional newspaper. Deputy Fitzpatrick said that pictures of the female victim, taken when she was aged under 18, have placed additional stress on the young woman’s family.

“This weekend’s shoot-ing in Dundalk, in which

Three communities are still in shock this week following the fatal shooting of a man in the quiet estate of Lis na

Dara. The peace of the peaceful estate was shat-tered at 4am on Sunday last when James hughes (35) from Crossmaglen was shot while in a taxi in the after a night out

in Dundalk.He was one of three

people who were in the vehicle at the time, a twenty-one year old woman who had recently moved into the area and the taxi driver sustained facial and neck inju-ries. They were taken to the Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda where they were treated for non se-rious wounds resulting from being hit with pel-lets from the shot-gun used in the attack.

It is understood that Mr Hughes and the female passenger were spotted by her former partner on a night out in Dundalk. The man is thought to have been lying in wait in Cluain Ard, Lis na Dara; when the taxi pulled up he approached and fired a shot at the passenger seat of the car where Mr Hughes was sitting. The engine was still running and the taxi driver An-thony Callan (48) drove

forward but the car ran into the wall of a nearby home.

The man, who was reported to be carrying a double-barrel shotgun followed and may have fired another shot through the passenger window at that time. The 32 year old man fled the scene in a van but later presented himself at Carrickma-cross Garda Station. Gardai took possession of a legally held shotgun which they believe was used in the attack as well as a van which was taken for ballistic examination.

He is being held under Section 50 of the criminal Justice Act.

Local Gardaí arrived at what they described a ‘terrible scene’ within minutes. neighbours, many of whom are elder-ly and living in the Cluid Housing were said to be shocked and disturbed by the shooting in the quite estate.

Relatives say they are relieved that they young woman, She had trained as a nurse and had only recently graduated, is still alive and well. She was taken to St James hospi-tal for some further treat-ment.

James Hughes was a well known GAA player with Crossmaglen Rang-ers where he won a number of Armagh, Ul-ster and All-Ireland club titles.

Local priest, Fr Joe McKeever said Mr Hugh-es did not deserve his vio-lent death.

“James was hugely well-known because he was a very personable,

friendly and sociable member of our communi-ty and James’s legendary

kindness to people has compounded the shock and grief felt.”

Man shot dead after night outBy Niamh Kirk

The late James Hughes

a 35-year old man was killed, has left the lo-cal community utterly shocked and bewildered that such an attack could take place. A number of families have been left devastated by the inci-dent, and are understand-ably struggling to come to terms with what has hap-pened.

“This terrible tragedy has not been made any easier by the fact that a national newspaper has published pictures of the young woman injured in the attack; pictures which were taken when she was aged under 18.

“The publication of these photos have caused great upset on the part of the young woman’s fam-ily, who are at her bedside while she is being treated in hospital for her injures. They have enough to worry about and to deal with without having their stress compounded by the

inappropriate and insensi-tive publication of these photos.

“The media has an es-sential role to play in so-ciety, however I think it is time we had a proper debate about where and when newspapers and broadcasters overstep the mark. How will the public interest be served through the publication of these photos? I would argue that the only thing that is being served is a salacious appetite for eye-catching front page splashes.

“I intend to raise this issue with the Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte. We have all been shocked by the revelations of the phone hacking scandal in the UK. But perhaps we also need to be taking a closer look at the commonplace practices of publications on this side of the water.

“The core principles of journalism include holding those in power to account, and acting in the public interest. While newspapers have a duty to give accurate and detailed accounts of stories making the news, I believe they should aim to do this in a considerate fashion. Ordi-nary families should not be turned into pawns for the single aim of boosting circulation figures.”

Fitzpatrick criticisesmedia coverageof weekend shooting

Peter Fitzpatrick, TD

DunDalk leaDer 14th December 2011 3


DunDaLk will continue to benefit from the central or-ganisational skills of BIDS and the TCCM office af-ter rate payers voted over-whelmingly in favour of con-tributing to the scheme.

Dundalk’s Business Invest-ment District Scheme (BIDS) as well as the Dundalk Town Centre Commercial Manage-ment (TCCM) have been

handed the mandate to contin-ue their work of promoting the area as an important shopping and business destination.

Andrew Mawhinney, who will continue in the role as Town Centre Manager, says he is optimistic for the future of Dundalk now that the project has got the support of both the over 700 businesses who voted in favour of contributing and Dundalk Town Council who approved the plans at their last

meeting before Christmas. The voting closed on Friday

last and tolls showed that 78% chose to keep the scheme op-erating.

The support shows the ap-proval for the work done by the TCCM and BIDS in the past two years. The offices and BIDScame into operation dur-ing a time of stiff competition from businesses in the north and aimed to put Dundalk on the map, while it cannot be

done overnight a centralised organisation has been instru-mental in the creation of the Seatown Festival and bring-ing the Louth County Show to Dundalk Stadium.

“It is a compliment to every-one involved, to all the stake-holders. It has not been easy, there are a lot of challenges in getting a town to work togeth-er but I am optimistic for the future. We are in the middle of a review at the moment, it is all

very well getting the mandate, now we have to do the work” said Mr Mawhinney.

The TCCM is not only con-tinuing it’s good work but is aiming at engaging even more in the wider community. “I think we are going to widen the board and bring in some fresh faces. There are so many people out there with talents and skills that we can use. We hope to engage with these peo-ple in the future.”

Over the years, Dun-dalk Round Table has been able to bring joy and happiness to hundreds of local children who are less fortunate than the rest of us. They have re-ceived the most amazing gifts every year; of hats, scarves, pyjames, slip-pers, shoes, games toys of all size and nature. Its thanks to the gener-osity of the public, and Round Table have been able to support many lo-cal charities like the SVP, Womens Aid, Simon and many other groups and requests. You can be guaranteed that every item placed in The Sleigh will be so much appreci-ated by the recipients.

So maybe when you are out doing your Christmas Shopping in The Marshes or Dun-dalk town this Christmas spare a thought for those less fortunate.

If you would like to support the Round Table keep an eye out for food collection points and we will be in The Marshes and earl Street with the Van Dessel Choir the week before Christmas bringing some festive cheer to all.

If you would like to get involved in Round Table or make a dona-tion you can Contact David McGee Chairman 9329333 or Gary Valen-tine 9329333.

afTer almost 40 years on Santa’s list, Louth GAA is finally getting its Christmas wish with the news that a deal has been struck to build a new state-of-the-art county ground on the DkIT campus.

Clubs gave over-whelming support to the proposal when they voted in favour of the project at the Louth GAA annual convention on Sunday afternoon.

The €6m project will feature a 12,000 capac-ity stadium comprising a 4,000 seater stand and covered terrace.

It is hoped that, once planning permission is granted, construction work can get underway

in September of 2012 and all going to plan, the venue could cost the 2013 county finals and Louth could be playing their national Football League games in 2014.

The historic decision means that the home of

Louth GAA will move from the O Raghallaighs in Drogheda to Dundalk.

Although there was some opposition to the move from South Louth clubs, the facilities be-ing offered and relatively low cost to Louth Coun-ty Board meant that it wasn’t a difficult decision to make.

A very happy County Board Chairman, hailed the decision of the clubs to back the project.

“This is a very excit-ing time for all involved

in Louth GAA as we can look forward to having a facility that we will all be proud of.

“Once we got the op-portunity to get on board with DkIT for a 12,000 capacity venue it realy was too good an opportu-nity to miss.

“To put it into context, we were looking at raising the capacity of Drogheda from 3,500 to 4,000 under health and safety regula-tions for the short term, and the basic changes re-quired would have cost us

€1.2m. Yet we can spend slightly more than that for a brand new stadium”, he added.

One of the most pleas-ing aspects in the decision was the clear majority in favour of the project which signals that the county will be united in the efforts to raise funds.

“I was thrilled that the vote was so decisive and to get 82 per cent in fa-vour was a great endorse-ment of the project and the challenge is now to finance the project.”

Dundalk backs BIDS and TCCM

Round Table festive appeal

The perfect Christmas gift for Louth Gaa

By Niamh Kirk

Artist’simpression

By Eunan Whyte

Olaf Berg, Cheryl Foley, Rachel Mc Keown and Paddy Cun-ningham at the fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy


Lynsey Reilly with Jedward

Book LaunchThe Fusion room in Carlingford’s Foy centre was full to capacity last Saturday as people packed in for the launch of the sequel to children’s book, Karena the Fairy. The new book consists of two books in one. Fans of Karena the Fairy were intrigued to see the layout of the new book for the first time with the second book at the front and the third book on the back, upside down. The Karena the Fairy trilogy was written by local author Mary Mc Shane from Templetown

Newsin Brief

Student was ashamed of welfare fraud

a 24-year-oLD student who collected over €3,800 in social welfare payments in the name of another person, was ashamed and embarrassed by what he did, Dundalk District Court heard.

Judge Flann Brennan first fined Ben Hagan of 96, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan €500 on each of two counts, but then agreed to adjourn his decision for a week to this Wednesday following a plea from the defendant’s solicitor.

The solicitor told the court that the defendant paid back all the money from an inheritance.

It was stated that the defendant obtained 25% of the money paid out by the Department of Social Welfare at the local office at Saint alphonsus road and put the rest into an account of a person in collaboration with whom he carried out the offence. The other person was in Canada.

he received €1,000 from the other person involved and believed he would receive further funds.

The defence solicitor said the defendant was never in trouble. he asked Judge Brennan not to record a conviction as the defendant hoped to follow a career in education and travel abroad.

ReDeeMeR Church are holding an informal night of reflections on the ‘Wonder of Christmas’ on December 15 at 7.30pm. The night is a celebration of Christmas and will feature a number of events including a short service, the resident choir and musicians as well as a collection for St Vincent de Paul.

People are asked to bring along some non-perishables so that they can be donated to charity in time for the Christmas Season. The night is open to all and they hope to see some people from outside the Redeemer Parish in attendance for the informal and festive gathering.

Wonder of Christmas in Redeemer

Lynsey reilly meets The SaturdaysJeDWarD have made a Dun-dalk girl’s dream come true by arranging for her to meet her fa-vourite band ‘The Saturdays’.

Lynsey Reilly emailed RTe’s “OMG! Jedwards Dream Fac-tory’ back in September and was shocked when she got a reply say-ing that she had been chosen as one of the lucky dreamers for the show.

“I sent an email into RTe tell-ing them that my dream would be to meet my favourite band ‘The Saturdays’. I never expected that I would actually get picked” ex-plains a delighted Lynsey.

“It all happened so fast. They rang me on the Monday and told me I would be meeting the band on the Thursday. I went up to Dublin that Thursday and I got to meet Jedward who were hilarious.

“Frankie is my favourite in the band and I got my long hair cut short just like hers. We went to

RTe studios and got to watch The Saturdays perform on “The Late Late Show”, added Lynsey.

“I was really nervous as I knew I’d be meeting them after the show and I had to make up five questions to ask them. I was shak-ing with excitement waiting in the green room for them to come in.

“I got to talk to them all and asked them questions about the band and themselves and they were all really lovely. I’d like to thank Jedward for helping to make my dream come through and it’s a day I’ll never forget” says Lynsey.

“The producers of the show told me I couldn’t tell any of my friends about the show for a month so that was really hard. I was going to school dying to tell all of my friends but I couldn’t say a word. It was such a relief when I finally was able to tell them.” laughs Lynsey.

OMG!Jedwards Dream Factory will be shown on Christmas Day.

By Paul Byrne

Got a story?we want to hear from youPhone: 0429320888email: [email protected]


ESB Electric Ireland and the RSA are distributing 80,000 high visibility vests to every child who started school this year. Over 1,800 high visibility vests are being distrib-uted to Co. Louth including Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Kilkerley National School, Co. Louth. The vests are included in the ‘Back to School’ packs which are being distrib-uted to primary schools nationwide.Pictured is Mr. Vincent Litchfield, CRM, ESB Electric Ireland with the junior infant pupils proudly wearing their high visibility vests.

BooksWho in a Dickens story was the business partner of Jacob Marley?BotanyWhich plant used in Christmas decorations was sacred to ancient Irish Druids?rock and PopWhat record kept Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ off the No 1 spot in 1984?GeographyIn what German city is there a cathedral dedi-cated to the Three Wise Men?MoviesIn what film does a 133-year-old angel called Clarence Peabody finally get his wings?advertisingWhich company first portrayed Santa Claus in his traditional red and white suit?LanguageWhat is the english trans-lation of the carol ‘Adeste Fidelis’?

televisionWhich newscaster cre-ated a furore by dancing with Morcambe and Wise on their 1978 Christmas Special?LocalWhat was the name of the store in Clanbrassil St, run by the Parkes family, one of the first in Ireland to have a Santa’s Grotto?CartoonsAled Jones ‘Walking in the Air’ is the theme song for what animated classic movie?this week’s stinkerThe Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square is an annual gift to the people of London from what country?

Pete Treanor’sChristmas Quiz

—this week’s answers—

1. ebeneezer Scrooge 2. Mistletoe 3. Do They Know It’s Christmas 4. Cologne 5. It’s a Wonderful Life 6. Coca Cola 7. Come All Ye Faithful 8. Angela rippon 9. The Central 10. The Snowman. Stinke r – Norway.A Happy Christmas to all readers and be ready for plenty of Stinkers in the 2012.

JUDGe Flann Brennan told a 27 year-old local man that he got involved in something that didn’t concern him when in-terfering when a Garda requested another man to pick up a bin.

Gerard Campbell of 106 Doolargy Avenue

was summonsed as a result of the incident at Park Street on november 18 with being intoxicated and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

As he had a previ-ous clear record, Judge Brennan dismissed the charges, but warned him

not to do anything like this again.

The defendant disput-ed the Garda’s evidence claiming he didn’t resist arrest or swing his hands.Garda Dunne said that Campbell told him to “--- off” when he told him to go away.

Man became involved in a row over bin

ESB and RSA distribute 80,000 high visibility vests to children


Struggle to fill certain teaching positionsLOUTH County VeC announced that they are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit quali-fied teachers in specialist subjects such as Home economics and Materials Technology.

The lack of qualified applicants for these type of positions means that some posts are unfilled as it is proving impos-sible to find a suitable

candidate. CeO of the VeC, Dr

Pádraig Kirk has called on the Department of education and Skills, and the relevant third level colleges, to urgent-ly review the demands in the education system to ensure that there is an adequate supply of teach-ers at post-primary level to serve the future needs of schools.

“Recently the VeC sought to fill two teach-

ing positions in Home economics but received only two applications. “Of the two applicants that applied one was al-ready in employment, while the other was not qualified as per criteria set down by the Teaching Council” said Dr Kirk.

Languages are also suffering and Dr Kirk said that in particular French and Irish teach-ers are difficult to source as well as teachers who

can teach other subjects ás Geailge. The prob-lem could deteriorate as more teachers retire early under civil service and public servant early retirement scheme. The Government are seeking the voluntary retirements on or before February 29. Dr Kirk feels it is vital that the parents, students, teachers and counsellors are aware that the gaps in the market could inform the course choices of stu-

SInn fein President and TD for Louth Ger-ry adams is currently involved in a lobby, with others, to secure the necessary europe-an money through In-TerreG to build the narrow Water bridge across Carlingford Lough.

The Sinn féin Louth and east Meath TD Gerry adams said:

“The South armagh, Mournes and Cooley Mountains region has enormous tourist and economic potential.

“for ten years Sinn féin in the region has been promoting the construction of a bridge at narrow Water which would enhance the economic prospects of that re-gion.”

Mr adams pointed out that Caitriona ruane MLa in South Down, Conor Murphy MP in newry and ar-magh and party rep-

resentatives, like Cllr Jim Loughran in the Cooley area, have been active on this for some time.

“In recent days my office has discussed the possibility of eu fund-ing being made avail-able through InTer-reG to complete the narrow Water Bridge project with the Spe-cial eu Programmes Body (SePuB).

“I have also asked for an early meeting with Leo Varadkar the Minister for Transport as it was his decision in July which pulled the plug at that time on the narrow Water Bridge project”, stated the Louth TD.

Mr adams added that at a time of eco-nomic crisis and reces-sion the narrow Water Bridge project can create jobs and bring financial investment and economic growth to this region. FReDA Hearty and the Dance Kids are back once

more with their Christmas show ‘Winter Wonderland’

dents at third-level. He also pointed out that op-portunities now existed for existing graduates

to up-skill and retrain in other professions in a bid to fill existing job vacan-cies.

By Niamh Kirk

Take narrow Water Bridge chance - Adams

Dance kids perform Winter Wonderland

Dance Kids are cur-

rently preparing for

Winter Wonderland’

which takes place on

December 28 and 29

in An Tàin Theatre

which takes place on De-cember 28 and 29 in An Tàin Theatre.

‘Winter Wonderland’ is jam packed full of Christ-mas favourites includ-ing a wonderful excerpt of Scrooge the Musical, which is sure to leave everyone in the festive spirit.

The talented dancers will also be performing to many favourites such as Justin Bieber, One Di-rection, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Britney Spears to name just a few that are guar-anteed to have audiences of every age reaching for their Santa hats and sing-ing along.

“The Dance Kids have been busier than Santa’s elves rehearsing for ‘Win-ter Wonderland’,” said Freda Hearty, of Dance Kids Stage School.

Freda and the Dance Kids are renowned for raising money for needy charities both locally and abroad and over the past number of years have raised an amazing €123,000. This year pro-ceeds from ‘Winter Won-derland’ will be donated to local charities.

‘Winter Wonderland’ takes place in An Tàin Theatre on December 28 and 29 at 7:30pm.

Tickets from An Tàin Theatre’s box office on 042 9392919 or with Fre-da on 042 9339797.


Cllr Maria Doyle with Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the Fine Gael Christmas Party Night hosted by the Faughart/Ravensdale Branch held on December 2 in the Bally-mac Hotel

the attached photo is Iris Farrell President of the Louth federation of ICa making a presentation to Brigid Murphy Marshes Guild at the recent meeting of the Louth Federation of the Irish Countrywomen’s association. the president Iris Farrell was pleased to announce that Brigid Murphy of the Marshes. Had won the ICa all-Ireland competition for a Black & white photography.after the business was concluded there was a very interesting and amusing talk by local G P Dr Grace Kenny on how to live a long and happy life.supper was then served by the ravensdale Guild.

A GARDA told how a customer went to throw a pint glass full of alco-hol over him when he arrived with a colleague at a rural pub at closing time.

Dundalk Court heard that two Gardai were car-rying out an inspection and entered the Cross Bar, Stabannon on Janu-ary 30 last. The door was wide open and there were

35 to 40 in the bar. The licensee was not serving and asking the customers to leave.

As the last were leav-ing, noel Quinn (61) with an address at the bar stood looking at Garda Kelly and came over. He made remarks about the Gardai not being there when there was nobody in the pub the previous week and about being

THe much anticipated Christ-mas Cookery Demonstration takes place tonight (Wednesday the 14th) in St. Oliver Plunkett’s School on Sandy Lane Blackrock, beginning at 8pm.

The event, organised by Black-rock Tidy Towns in association with McArdle Meats and Centra Blackrock, will help take the mys-tery out of producing that perfect

Christmas meal. With perfect timing just before

the festive season enters its final phase, master chef Alan McCabe will reveal all the tricks of the trade as he prepares a traditional Christmas dinner.

Alan has built up quite a repu-tation for his ability to get across to his audience the intricacies of haute cuisine in very simple

terms, mainly through his interac-tive approach and encouragement of questions from the floor.

He promises that this demon-stration will suit experts and first-timers alike. Admission to the event is €10, payable at the door, and all proceeds go to Blackrock Tidy Towns to help implement their 2012 work plan for the vil-lage.

Customer went to throw glass of alcohol over Garda

Bertie’s henchmen.Garda Kelly said that

the defendant lifted a pint glass full with alcohol and he thought he was going to throw it over him but was stopped.

He said the defendant shouted at the Gardai be-fore they left.

Quinn was prosecuted under the public order act for being drunk and for threatening, abusive and

insulting behaviour.He apologised for his

conduct. His solicitor Frank McDonnell said the defendant was ex-tremely drunk and had a complete lack of memory

of the incident. He never before came under no-tice. He held no animos-ity towards the Gardai.

Judge Brennan found the facts proven and dis-missed the summonses.

Christmas cookery demonstration


Jean Freegrove and Christine Churchill with Tom and Yvette Ryan at the Fairways Christmas Party.

Following the Avonmore Louth GAA Senior Football Championship Final, Louth GAA announced that it would donate the proceeds of the programme sales from the replay to two local charities. At a recent presentation in the Louth GAA Centre of Excellence, Louth County Board Treasurer Aidan Berrill and County Board Chairperson Padraic O’Connor presented a cheque Carmel Maguire, Dundalk Simon Community. In the com-ing weeks, another cheque will be presented to The Drogheda Homeless Aid.

Gardai hold community nightGarDaí in from Dun-dalk Garda Station held their annual night in support of elderly vic-tims of crime in the dis-trict on Thursday last. The event is held every year by Paul Connelly and the Gardaí in the Community Policing unit all of whom were present on the night.

The night brings to-gether many members of the communities in St Olivers, Dealgan, the Great northern Haven as well as those in more iso-lated areas that the Gardaí bring in for a night of fun and festivities. Over 140 people were in attendance as the Gardaí served din-ner and got everyone into the Christmas spirit.

The community polic-ing unit take great care all year with older vic-tims of crime, visiting them throughout the year. The night allows for the

victims of crime to meet each other in an informal setting and share their ex-perience in a supportive environment while hav-ing fun.

The Gardaí were par-ticularly appreciative of the support of local busi-nesses who donated gifts for the raffle on the night. The planning for last week’s evening began much earlier in the year when the Gardaí from the Community Policing Unit completed a sponsored cycle to raise funds for the night. During the summer a group of over 15 local Gardaí cycled from Dun-dalk to Drogheda, raising enough funds to host the annual night, which took place in the Clan na Gael.

One of the participat-ing Gardaí Paul Burke reminded people to be aware of their elderly neighbours and to keep an eye on them, particu-larly during the dark and stormy winter months.

By Niamh Kirk


Caped Crusader gets ready for his first Louth adventureTWO innovative students are looking to make an impression on the film world with the premier of their new movie being planned for the coming weeks.

Stephen King, from Racecourse Road, and Andrew Carr, from Lord-ship, who are both Sixth Year Students in Bush PP, are looking forward to the first showing of the film entitled, The Dark Avenger.

The hour-long produc-tion provides a local take on the famous Batman character who experienc-ing an adventure in north Louth location for the first time.

The plot sees darkness rule the city of Gotham as Dr Jonathan Crane has a new type of toxin that he threatens to spread across the city. Meanwhile he turns a good cop (Floyd) bad.

Batman turns to Comis-sioner Jim Gorden for help on the case, but un-fortunately the film sees the demise of the Caped Crusader.

According to Stephen, both he and Andrew are looking forward to see-ing the film on the big screen.

“Myself and Andrew have made a number of short films but when Andrew came up with a script for this one, I just loved it so we decided to make it into a film.

“We are also involved in producing, directing and acting so it has been

very busy since we start-ed filming in June.

“We are now in the ed-iting process and it will be finished soon so hopeful-ly we will get to put it on show before Christmas”, explained Stephen.

“It has been great fun making the film and hope-fully both of us will get to pursue a course in film after our Leaving Cert”, he added.

Other actors include

Alex Carr, Joseph Carr, Joey Carr, Patrick McAr-dle, Cian Connolly, Madeleine Carr, Kevin Murphy, Ciaran Reihill, Daniel White and Conor Duffy.

Stephen and An-drew have set up a spe-cial website - www.thedarkavenger.99k.org - in order to promote the upcoming movie and to provide further details on the film.

One of the longest running local Christmas traditions will continue for a 52nd year when Dowdallshill GF & AC take part in the Christmas Morning run to St Oliver’s Hospital.

Club members will run from their St Brigid’s Park base at 10am on Christmas Day to visit the hospital where they will hand out presents and provide entertainment for the elderly residents and their families.

As you are aware, friends and members of the Dowdallshill club, Dundalk participate in a run from St Brigid’s Park, newry Rd to St Oliver’s Hospital, Dublin Road,

Dundalk on Christmas Morning.

This will be the 52nd year to visit the hospital where they hand out presents and provide entertainment for the elderly residents and their families.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the support given to Christmas Morning Run over the years.

“Once again we are looking for your valued subscriptions to enable our club members continue to help the patients in St Oliver’s.

“Over the years, money raised has enabled our committee to help St Oliver’s Hospital

management to purchase many essential items such as a PA sound system, life size crib, wheelchairs, walking aids, televisions and pressure relief mattresses”, he stated.

“All monies raised will be presented to the Matron on the morning of the run and we would appreciate any support given”, added the spokesman.

Those wishing to make a contribution can contact Liam O Hagan 087 2800901, Billy O’Callaghan 042 9381627, eoin Mcevoy 087 2235136, Jim McCooey 042 9321663, John Brady 087 0601716, Pat Toner 087 2592422.

Action from the Dark Avenger

By Eunan Whyte

Dowdallshill Christmas Day run to St Oliver’s


Dundalk Chamber of Com-merce held their annual Budget Breakfast in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dun-dalk. Sponsored by Lom-bard, the event was a sell out with over 140 Chamber members in attendance. Attendees from financial, professional and the wider business community came out early to hear speaker Enda Jordan, Tax Director with Ernst & Young unravel the complexities of this year’s budget.

Jack Murphy and Kieran Reenan present the cake

A 43-YeAR-OLD man was convicted at Dundalk Court with harassing a woman at various loca-tions on dates between April 16 and August 2 last.

Mark Williams unem-ployed of 9, Hazelcourt, Bay estate was also con-victed of an assault on the woman by kicking her on

the shin at Dundalk Dis-trict Court on June 8 last.

The woman was stated to have a son from a rela-tionship with the accused to whom the accused had no access since the break-up.

She described that she was subjected to a “night-mare from morning to night” and living with

blinds pulled down in her house.

She said she had to leave her job because of being intimidated and oth-er members of her family were affected.

Williams denied the charges, but after listen-ing to the evidence, Judge Flann Brennan described the defendant as delu-

sional, and was satisfied he was making hell of the injured party’s life

He asked for full details and outcome of a recent appeal case by the defend-ant, and in relation to any further complaints against Williams before finalis-ing his decision, which he adjourned to yesterday (Tuesday).

In keeping with their support for both international and local com-munity based projects, The Ro-tary Club of Dundalk, in associa-tion with Dundalk Town Council, are opening a Remembrance Tree at the redeveloped town centre.

It is believed that this will cap-ture the spirit of Christmas and provide members of the public with an opportunity of treasuring the memories of special people in their lives.

The spirit of Remembrance

Tree focuses on members of the public, recalling and honouring those treasured memories by cre-ating their own personal ribbon of remembrance and having it placed on the tree in a colourful garland.

There is no fixed charge for creating and attaching ribbons, voluntary contributions are wel-come and all funds raised will go to this year’s Rotary designated organisations and charities – The Birches Branch of Alzheimers

Society of Ireland, Society for Old and Underprivileged and SOSAD.

Members of the public are invited to join in a short inter-denominational prayer service with Christmas Carols to mark the opening and dedication of the tree at the town centre on Friday December 16 at 5.30pm.

The tree will remain open and manned by Rotarians and friends from 11am to 5pm each day until Friday December 23.

Christmas Remembrance Tree

TWO CBS national School students took time out of their studies to bake a special Christmas Cake which was raffled at the Cluid Housing Associa-tion’s Annual Christmas Party.

Jack Murphy (9) and Kieran Reenan (8) baked the cake last week in school with the help of their teaching assistant Mary Sweeney.

It was Kieran who came up with the idea, as he has a keen interest in cooking.

The boys also baked a cake for themselves which the plan to cut in half and share among their two families.

The innovative duo were also grateful for the support of their school principal Michael Lam-bert who gave them the time and the use of the schools facilities in order to get the cake, prepared,

CBS pupils provide some festive cheer

baked and decorated on time.

The boys, along with Mary Sweeney, attended a coffee morning in the Lis na Dara Community Cen-tre, Carrick Rd to present Mandy Murphy, manger of a number of Dundalk prominent projects for the elderly, and the residents of Cluid with the cake.

All were so appreciative of the kindness and effort of the two boys that they were rewarded with early Christmas presents from the group.

The party which took place on Monday night was the Cluid Housing Association’s third annu-al Christmas Party and it has become an important

part of the community’s Christmas traditions.

“Many of the residents here may not have fami-lies and it might be the only time they will have a Christmas get together. They were delighted with the cake the thoughtful-ness of the boys for doing something so kind”, said Mandy Murphy.

Man made woman’s life hell

By Niamh Kirk


Teachers, Tommy Flynn and Pippa Brady

TWo innovative teach-ers from the Marist, Pip-pa Brady and Tommy flynn, have each won top prizes in a national encyclopaedia Britan-nica (eB) competition.

Run in conjunction with Scoilnet, the Irish edu-cational Portal of the De-partment of education and Skills, the competition was open to all teachers and

Two innovative Marist teachers win IT awards

student teachers around the country. Pippa’s en-try was runner-up, whilst Tommy’s came third. The Marist was also the only school in the country with two winning entries.

Teachers were required to design lesson activities incorporating the online education edition of ency-clopaedia Britannica. This version is available free in all schools, both primary and post primary. This has been made possible by the nCTe (national Centre of Technology in education) and Scoilnet.

Both Pippa and Tommy are no strangers to incor-porating ICT into the cur-riculum. Many of their previous ICT projects have won both national and international awards and recognition.

Pippa’s winning entry involved using eB in her english classes. “Persua-sive Writing” involved group work, discussion, written and paired work leading to interactive re-search of the Britannica topic of persuasive writ-ing. Integrating the online content in relation to inter-est, audience, accessibility and evidence, the students

understanding of the topic was greatly enhanced.

Pippa’s main ICT spe-ciality is using digital vid-eo-making for learning. Students have previously worked on news broad-casts using Shakespeare plays for their content, and have made music videos to highlight media studies, camera angles and editing.

Tommy recently re-turned from a career break. During this time he was heavily involved in ICT and education, specialising in online

learning environments, curriculum development, course design and deliv-ery, as well as teacher training. He has led ICT development in the Marist over the years. His win-ning eB entry was entitled “Exploring Berlin”. The learning activities includ-ed online articles, images and multimedia from the student edition of Britan-nica, as well as exploring links from German.ie, the portal site created by and for German teachers and students in Ireland and is part of the Scoilnet portal.

By Niamh Kirk

Physiotoy DayPhysio Ireland are hav-ing a “Toy Day” on De-cember 15 where they are encouraging anyone coming to the clinic to do-nate a toy underneath our Christmas Tree instead of their usual payment, as well as encouraging oth-ers to come in for a mas-sage etc if they would like to donate a toy as well..All toys are going to be donated to SVP for distri-bution in the 2FM Toys for Children programme.

Newsin Brief


Neil Watters, who was DJing at the Muscular Dys-trophy fundraiser on Friday night Peter Carroll, Stephen Gilsenan, Neil Woods, Patrick Conor and Ger Murphy

Gosha Pietrzak and Daniel Cieplinski

Fiona Clarke, Aideen Mc Parland and Niamh Flood

Kevin Johnson and Seamus Mc Ardle

Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser at Lava Lounge

Conor Hynes and Jean Mc Guinness

Paul Campbell, Paul Mallon and Paul Carolan

Trevor Callan and Claire Mc Guinness. Trevor was cel-ebrating his 30th birthday at the Lava Lounge on Friday


Jobs boostThe cream of Ireland’s agricultural, food and fisheries industry have come together under the Louth Economic Forum to develop a new action plan aimed at generating an increase in income and employment in these natural resource-based sectors in County Louth. The objective of the Agricultural, Food and Fisheries Forum is to develop an Action Plan for early implementation to drive the growth of these sectors in Louth and its economic hinterland.

Newsin Brief

Members of the Glenmuir Academy which runs from September through to May taking a break at Christmas.The Academy is open to all Boys and Girls aged 5 to 7 years old. The academy will be recommencing in March 2012 every Saturday 11am to Noon at Glenmuir Park.

TWO men appeared before Dundalk Court on Wednesday following the dis-covery of a cannabis growing plant at Seatown Place on november 29.

One of the accused Tomas Petkevicius (31) of no fixed abode was in custody and sought to be released on bail terms that already were fixed, and involved the ap-proval of a bailsperson.

However, Judge Flann Brennan refused to accept a woman put forward by the ac-cused, stating she was unable to meet the requirement to lodge €5,000. She also simply knew him from being from the same town as her in Lithuania.

niall Lavery, solicitor, said the ac-cused was not ordinarily resident here. The charges will be contested, and it was virtually impossible to call anybody as

surety.Judge Brennan commented it was not

his fault nor of anybody else. It was not the woman’s fault she didn’t know the ac-cused from Adam, and as far as he could see there was some form of crude net-working going on. He remanded the ac-cused back in custody to Cloverhill Court on December 21.

A second accused Sergei Malasicevas (42) of Brookwood Lawns, Red Barns Road who faces two similar counts of possession of drugs and possession for sale or supply, was remanded on continu-ing bail to March 21.

Garda Inspector Martin Beggy said that forensic analysis had to be carried out before directions were sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Pair before court after drugs plant discovery


Back: Theresa Smith, Pam Mc Neill and Margaret Campbell; Front: Catriona Clarke, Mary Reilly, Muriel Tester and Mary Sutherland

Jane and Gerard Nolan with Monica Patterson

Wayne Dempsey and Bernadette Byrne

Fairways Christmas Party Night

Catherine O’Reilly and Joanne Doyle

Olive South, Trish Dormer, Maureen O’Farrell. Maeve Leahy and Paula Anderson

Brendan and Lillian Caffrey


Grainne Hearty, Mary Mulligan, Louise Mc Crea, Lynn Mc Guinness, Mickey Mc Ken-na, Aisling Murphy, Oonagh Cosgrove and Karen Mc Guinness at The Lava Lounge on Friday night last.

Seamus Smyth, Brian Rogers and James Mc Fadden at The Lava Lounge on Friday night last.

Despite the economi-cally difficult times, Dundalk, pioneers of Relay in Ireland raised an incredible amount of €112,000, an amazing achievement from all who donated, purchased candles of hope, and the many local teams who came up with wonderful and unique fund raising ideas over the past weeks and months

SAInT Patricks Scout Group, 1st/2nd/5th Louth, who are based on the Castletown Road will aid the jour-ney of the Peace Light when they bring it to their annual Good Deed Mass in St. nicholas Church on Saturday De-cember 17 at 7pm.

every year, scouts and guides present food parcels during the offertory pro-cession which are then distributed around the town by the St. Vincent de Paul society, to those less well off.

Group Leader, Fintan Sheridan said “Over the last number of years, our youth members and their families have really showed the Christmas spirit by giving what they can at the Good Deed Mass. Our youth members learn about the importance of sharing and doing a good turn, and the Good Deed Mass is just one way that epitomise what we do.”

The scouts will have a box at the back of the church on the night, so if any member of the public wishes to bring along a food parcel they can place it in the box and this too will be brought to the altar. The Group would like to extend an invitation to all former members of the Group/Unit to come along to the mass and present a parcel.

The Peace Light originated on De-cember 8 when a candle was lit in the Grotto of Christ’s Birth in the Church of the nativity, in Bethlehem.

This year the Light will shine in places where the significance of what it symbolises is appreciated – it will not only burn in Ireland, but will be carried by Scouts to all the countries of the european Union, Central and eastern europe, the Russian Federation and to countries of north and Central America.

A 20-YeAR-OLD Dun-dalk man Shane O’Hanlon with addresses at 2, Chapel Street and the Simon Com-munity received concurrent sentences of nine months for offences involving criminal damage, burglary and assault causing harm.

Dundalk Court heard that they related to a failed relationship. Two of the in-cidents outlined involved where he smashed a wind-screen of a car in which his former girlfriend was in and a child in the back on July 22 last at Anne Street.

Another was on June 29 where he called to the woman’s home and an argument ensued and re-sulted in the assault. He admitted losing his head, but denied an allegation of biting.

an open day for people with dis-abilities was held in aura Dundalk Leisure Centre on Thursday Decem-ber 8. The use of the gym from and the pool from was free of charge for people with disabilities.

Staff at the centre were assisted by the Irish Wheelchair association ar-dee Sports Project.

The open Day was part of “Xces-sible Inclusive Leisure Centre Initia-tive” which was oganised by Cara

adapted Physical activity Centre and Louth Local Sports Partner-ship.

The Countrywide initiative titled “Xcessible”, aims to heighten the awareness of the benefits of exercise, active healthy lifestyles and partici-pation for people with disabilities.

The programme is one of a number of initiatives which were run nation-wide to mark national Disability Day which was on December 3rd.

Peace Light tovisit local scouts

nine month sentence

Open day at Aura


Fell intoa pondA Garda told that a 28 year-old-old man who was found knocking on a house, had fallen into a pond. He apparently was very wet and cold and dis-orientated. Rory O’Connor (28) of Descart, Coolderry PO, Carrickmacross ap-peared at Dundalk Court for a breach of public order for being drunk at Newtownbalregan on No-vember 27 last. He was fined €300.

wonder of ChristmasRedeemer Church are holding an informal night of reflections on the ‘Wonder of Christmas’ on December 15 at 7.30pm. The night is a celebration of Christmas and will feature a number of events including a short service, the resident choir and musicians as well as a collection for St Vincent de Paul. People are asked to bring along some non-perishables so that they can be donated to charity in time for the Christmas Season. The night is open to all and they hope to see some people from outside the Redeemer Parish in attendance for the informal and festive gathering.

Newsin Brief

DkIT performing arts students Michelle McCormack (left), Roisin Ryan and Leah Rossiter at the official naming of the MacAnna Theatre in DkIT

nestling Project ChristmasParty 2011The nestling Project Christmas Party 2011 was a great success as a group of 140 older people enjoyed a four course Christmas dinner in The Shirley arms, Carrickmacross.

afternoon entertainment was provided by The nestling Choral Group, John o’neill, kevin o’rafferty, nellie Mc Grane and Pat Power and the organisers wish to thank all involved with the event along with the Music students from DkIT who attended all the nestling weekly social groups in Dundalk.

The older people enjoyed the Christmas carols and the instrumentals.

Pat kerins and ann Marron wish all involved with The nestling Project a happy Christmas and an active and engaging new year.

FOLLOWInG a meeting of Dundalk and surround-ing Guidance Counsel-lors we wish to express our very deep concern in regard to the proposed changes to the alloca-tion of Guidance quota’s within Post Primary edu-cation. We believe this will have a devastating impact on the lives of our students removing what has been an integral part of the education system for the past 50 years.

As Guidance Counsel-

lors we are working at the coalface of education dealing with some very difficult and challenging social, personal and edu-cational issues on a daily basis. Some of the issues that we have dealt with and continue to deal with are, family breakup, sui-cide, child neglect/ abuse, teenage rape, eating disor-ders, bereavement, finan-cial issues impacting their education, poor self-es-teem, lack of attendance at school, relationship with peers, bullying,(cyber and traditional), mental health, teenage pregnancy as well as other issues that may

cross our door. A lot of these issues

have greatly increased in the current economic cli-mate. In many respects, Guidance Counsellors are part of the school man-agement and care team, liaising with staff and stu-dents, acting as advocates for students and being in-strumental in drafting and implementing school poli-cies around the welfare of students. This will now come to an end and the door will be closed on stu-dents who need our help, guidance and support. The Taoiseach tells us we must protect the young

people and the most vul-nerable in our society, we will no longer be able to protect or guide them.

We constantly deal with referrals from our Prin-cipal, Deputy Principal, Year Heads and Class Tu-tors, as well as having an open door policy with our students. We liaise with outside agencies and fam-ilies to help the students through their difficulties. It is also important to be mindful of our enormous input and role in educa-tional Guidance, for ex-ample, subject choice, college applications, personal references and individual advice on Fur-ther education. This will

mean the end of this and much more. Parents need to realise that their chil-dren will not get adequate personal, vocational, or career support and this will have a serious impact on the lives and futures of their children.

We implore the Gov-ernment to step back from these plans and reconsider these cuts as a matter of urgency. We believe that this backward step will do untold damage to the wel-fare of our young people and our system of educa-tion will be the poorer for it.

SignedDundalk Guidance

Counsellors

Guidance counsellors are essential part of system

letter tothe editor


10 grudnia dzieci spotkały się w Oriel Cultural Centre na „Mikołajkach” – drugich w historii Simul Polonia, organizowanych corocznie z myślą o najmłodszych mieszkańcach Dundalk i okolic. Naszym celem, zarówno w tym jak i w zeszłym roku, było pokazanie polskim dzieciom, na codzień wychowywa-nym w kulturze irlandzkiej, naszych tradycji związanych z Mikołajkami oraz pochwalenie się różnorodnością obyczajów dzieciom innych narodowości, oraz integrac-ja dzieci poprzez wspólną zabawę. Chętnych na spotkanie Św. Mikołaja nie brakowało i tym razem, z czego bardzo się cieszymy jako organizatorzy.Nasze świąteczne elfy, Lucyna i Cezary, świetnie poradz-ili sobie z przeprowadzeniem konkursów i zabaw dla dzieci, za co gorąco dziekujemy! Oczywiście najważniejsze dla każdego dziecka było spotkanie ze Św. Mikołajem, który znalazł czas, w napiętym harmonogramie, na indywidualną rozmowę z każdym dzieckiem, a nawet dorosłymi. Jako organ-izacja jesteśmy bardzo dumni z kolegi Krzysztofa, który wcielił się w te rolę specjalnie dla naszych najmłodszych i tak rewelacyjnie poradził sobie z wcieleniem się w legendarną postać Św. Mikołaja, zdobywając serca dzie-ci cierpliwością i prezentami a ich rodziców poczuciem humoru i znajomością mikołajowej profesji.Dziękujemy wszystkim rodzicom i Dzieciom za przyby-cie, i wspólną zabawę, przepraszając jednocześnie za niską temperaturę w sali, spowodowaną technicznymi problemami z gazem w całym budynku. Mamy nadzieję, że dzieciom bawiącym się, biegającym i tańczącym to nie przeszkadzało, a nam dorosłym atmosferę ogrzewał gwar i śmiech naszych pociech.Wszystkich spragnionych rodzinnego kolędowania gorąco zapraszamy do Shamrock Pub (tylna sala) 30 grudnia, od godziny 18tej. Simul Polonia zrezygnował z organizacji Sylwestra, ponieważ jednak sala jest zarezerwowana do 19tego grudnia na nazwisko kolegi Daniela, postanowiliśmy sprawdzić czy macie ochotę na wyjście do hotelu na kolację sylwestrową, jeśli więc do tego czasu nie zbierzę się odpowiednia ilość osób, impreza nie odbędzie się. Bilety są dostępne w Krakowiaku i Janosiku tylko do niedzieli.

agnieszka Boniewicz

If you think you work too many hours a day, think again. Since December

1 Santa Claus and his 200 busy little elves have been working 23 hours a day seven days a week as they try and get through over one billion letters from children all over the world.Despite this punishing schedule, Santa insists that Christmas time is without doubt his favourite time of year.“My wife is always telling me to ease back on my workload and maybe think of retiring but to be honest I would miss the job far too much. There is no better feeling than

seeing a child bursting with excitement and happiness as they rip open their presents on Christmas morning.“As well as that I get to travel the world and see loads of wonderful places. We’ll be coming to Dundalk first this year because Rudolph and Dasher want to see the fancy new fountain in Market Square”, laughs Santa.Santa Claus has been delivering presents to children all over the world for as long as he can remember. Born in a small village in the North Pole called Deleader, he enjoyed a happy childhood and spent his early years helping his father with his

onSantaClaus

Paul Byrne’ssleigh making business. “Those days helping my Dad making sleighs were wonderful. I started working with him when I was 11 and I finished when I was 18. Every December he would ask me to choose a gift as a thank you for the help I gave him and every year I chose a reindeer”, explained Santa.“The joy I felt every year when I received my new reindeer was magical. When I turned 18 I thought it would be fantastic if I could recreate that joy for every child in the world. I bought a warehouse and hired two hundred elves to help me make gifts for all the good children in the world. “People may think that we have it easy up here and only work for one month of the year but the truth of the matter is we are monitoring children for 365 days a year making sure that they have been good boys and girls.”Although he is one of the hardest working men in the world Santa does try to find time to indulge in his favourite pastimes. In his spare time he likes to unwind by eating, and growing his famous white beard. “My wife Mary is always trying to get me to go on a diet but I have to admit I am very partial to mince pies and chocolate cake. I probably have put on a few pounds over the last couple of years but in fairness my red suit makes me look bigger than I actually am.“I’m also very proud of my beard and was delighted to have beaten Captain Birdseye

last year in the “Best Celebrity Beard” competition. I definitely don’t think there are enough men with beards out there anymore. There are two kinds of people in this world that go around beardless — boys and women — and I am neither one”, added Santa.Santa Claus has come

under attack in recent years for being a part in the commercialisation of the holiday period but he is quick to refute any of these suggestions.“Christmas isn’t just about the physical act of opening presents. To me Christmas is about loving one another and

seeking to make loved ones happy. People think I enter their houses through their chimneys but I actually enter through the heart. And now I must go and prepare the reindeers for my world tour. “Happy Christmas dear ‘Dundalk Leader’ readers. Ho ho ho.”


Paul McMahon and Frank McGaghey at the Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser on Friday night

Eugene O’Hanlon and Paul McKenna at the Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser on Friday night

Doris Holland, Pat Doyle, Pauline Byrne and Paul Holland at The Fairways

Sinead Murphy, Adele Boyle, Margaret Strong and Wendy Nolan at The Fairways


Ben Reel ready for Dundalk concertBen Reel is coming to Dundalk on a particularly special night as he takes his new album ‘10’ on tour. For the past ten year Ben Reel has played rock with a touch of roots, blues & soul with an occasional injection of reggae. Critically acclaimed all over europe, his vocals are soulful and his lyrics meaningful. The show will be a

testament to his successes over the past ten years and promises to include not only his recently penned Christmas Song ‘This Christmas Time’ but also songs from his previous 5 albums from that time period, plus 5 new bo-nus tracks. 2011 has been a busy year so far with work commenced on a new album which is almost in the can

and will be released in 2012 en-titled (Watershed) plus showcase gigs in nashville & Memphis in and tours in Germany, Holland and Belguim.2012 promises to be an even more hectic schedule so now is the time to catch one of Ben Reels acclaimed shows.The show is in The Spirit Store on Thursday December 22.

Grainne Duffy showThis weekend the Spirit Store have one of those standout shows with Grainne Duffy returning with her band for a night of energetic blues. The following weekend, we have local troubadour Stewart Agnew, who is rid-ing a wave following the success of his new album and single.The week following Christ-mas the venue have a packed schedule including The Trampz on St Stephens night, Guns n Roses trib-ute - GnR, Meteor Award Winner - Juliet Turner, all leading up to the legendary Whipping Boy to bring in the new Year. The Spirit Store will start the new Year with a bang with the always entertain-ing Jerry Fish and Band.Tickets are available in the

Spirit Store or online @ http://www.spiritstore.ie/tickets.phpOr check out http://www.spiritstore.ie for full listings and more info.


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ing 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. 0860800788DaMP-ProoFING, Leak Detection, Solar ventilation, Chemical damp-proofing: All types of leaks – specialist equipment. Wall mounted solar panels heat and dry your home. Aqua Solve – 087-2664224DUNDaLK 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.dundalkbureau-dechange.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 com-mission - 8 Park St. (open 7 days 8am-11pm) & 4 Linenhall St. (open Mon-Sat) – call 042 9339922/9370101 –www.dundalkbureau-dechange.com – accepting all major credit & debit cardsPerFeCt FIt aLteratIoNs - For all your sewing needs. For your convenience NOW OPeN on Avenue road. 10% off for Slim-ming World members. Castletown road: Tel: 042 9327837. Avenue road: Tel: 042 9352348HoUseHoLD INsUraNCe CLaIMs. All types of household insurance claims, fire damage, flood damage, water damage, shower leaks, break-ins, call our Insurance helpline today for a free consultation, Lo-call 1890 247 911 or mobile 087 6487466LaPtoP rePaIrs & BroKeN sCreeN rePLaCeMeNt- Computer/Laptop re-pairs for all models and virus removal at competitive prices. No fix no fee. Contact Nick: 087 6241043 or 042 9330065.MICHaeL’s ProPerty MaINteNaNCe: repairs, building, plastering, plumbing, painting, tiling, concreting, patios, garden-ing & PVC facia + soffits. Over 20yrs experi-ence, references available. Tel: 086 7350357.CHIMNey CLeaNING, INsPeCtIoN & rePaIr. Tel: Paul McArdle 042-933-2491or 087-666-0094. email [email protected]

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PreMIses to reNt/For saLeatteNtIoN: Ber’s now required for Bet-ter energy home Grants. For Ber certifica-tion at affordable prices contact robert Mulholland 087 6091906.www.louthber.ieaDvertIse yoUr HoUse/PreMIses for rent or sale to 60,000 readers each week from €5 Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888to Let (From 1st Jan) 4 bedroom house, fully furnished, Long Ave, Dundalk. Within 15 mins walk from town centre. Park-ing for three cars. €700 per month. Tel +353876813497 before 10pm.to reNt Nice little town house, recently renovated. rent reasonable. 087-2788573artICLes / IteMs For saLeBeDs & FUrNItUre DIreCt. Beds, mat-tresses, 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, North-link retail Park, Dundalk 042 9320927CoLLoN 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 9320888BeDs For saLe. Totally heavy solid pine beds. Brand new, super strong, rock solid bases, lifetime guarantee. Good deep su-per memory foam mattresses included. everything brand new. Can deliver. €89. 086-820-8303DeaLGaN FUrNItUre (formerly Sofa-land) Longwalk, Dundalk (inside The Paint Store), for a wide range of New & Used Bed-room, Dining room and Kitchen furniture. Suite reupholstery and furniture fixing ser-vice available Tel 042-9329111HeDGING PLaNts: Laurels/Beech/Box Viburnum €1.50 each. Green/Gold/Silver. Privets and Grizelenia all €1.30 each. Box Cone and Balls €25 each. 087-0689521

al technicians, for very cheap service and repair rates call Paul on 086 885 7350weDDING PHotoGraPHy. All day cov-erage, DVD with pictures €350. www.elmo-tions.com Tel: 086-4036942waLL PaPer HaNGer avaILaBLe. rea-sonable rates, excellent work. Phone: Tom 087-632-8292CarPeNter 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: 087-6180150CHIMNey CLeaNING servICe Dust Free Brush and Vac reasonable rates. Phone Tommy 0857492555HaNDyMaN 365 Is your ‘TO DO’ list out of control? Contact Patrick 087-1679650 for all your home and office maintenance.MCaLooN UPHoLstery. All furniture recovered as new. 3 piece suites, dining chairs etc. Cushions & springs replaced. Tel: 087 2305941 / 041 9842974.MoBILe LasH & Brow sPeCIaLIst - Brow shaping, lash and brow tinting all in your own home. Tel 0857343627sPIrItUaL & tarot CarD reaDINGs. Phone or Text 0871820400. Party discount available.LINeNHaLL saLoN servICes LtD, Linenhall St. Dundalk. Special offer Wednes-days Ladies Cut & Blowdry €24. Blowdry €12. Perm €40. For appt call 0429334347/087-7503679. Prop: Margaret McGillsItUatIoNs waNteDKIND aND reLIaBLe LaDy available to mind children in childrens’ own home in Dundalk area. Tel 086-2256968waNteD For oCCasIoNaL worK electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, roofer, Blocklayer & Plasterer Tel 087-7955521CHILDreNs eNtertaINMeNtMaGICIaN aND BaLLooN MoDeLLer available for all parties. Contact Odenni. 042-9372455 or 087-2473342.sPeCIaL NotICesaNGeL eveNING - Meditations/Angel Card readings/Gudience & Assistance. 7.30-9.30pm. In Dundalk Tuesday 13th Decem-ber. Cost €20. Phone or Text 0871820400. The Angels would love you to come.sPIrItUaL & tarot CarD reaDINGs. Phone or Text 0871820400. Party discount available.

JesUs Loves yoU. For more informa-tion on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ call Maurice Smyth 087-2098634PLaNNING NotICesDundalk Town Council, Further Informa-tion: I, MarIya oLeKsyN, 28 Laurel Grove, Greenacres, Dundalk, Planning ref. No 11/104, wish to inform that significant further information in relation to the appli-cation has been furnished to the planning authority, and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the rea-sonable cost of making a copy, at the of-fices of the Planning Authority at Dundalk Town Council, Town hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, during its public opening hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. A submis-sion or observation in relation to the fur-ther information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation, not later than two weeks after receipt of this newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning author-ity may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.I, eLIzaBetH tUMULty intend to apply for Planning Permission for development at 23 Castle Park, Castleblaney road, Dun-dalk, County Louth. The development will consist of a single storey extension to the side of the dwelling house, a domestic garage located in the front garden, a gate-way located within the eastern boundary wall and all associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of mak-ing a copy, at the offices of Dundalk Town Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Au-thority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20. Signed:elizabeth Tumulty.

Women try to trace family treeTWO women travelled from Cork last week in a bid to find the missing piece in their family tree. The women began to chronicle their family tree a few months ago and it almost complete, save for one missing link, their uncle and his decedants and are hoping that is anyone has any information that might help them they will get in touch.

Their uncle’s name was James Connell and he was born on 23 December 1903, he moved to Dundalk when he was in his early 20s and they believe he worked in the Macardles Brewery and remained here until he passed away.

Being originally for Banteer Rd, Kanturk, he had the Cork accent and they believe he may have adopted the surname O’Connell or a derivative of it during the late 20s or early 30s. They are appealing to anyone who might know of someone in their family history that for the description to get in touch on Mary Lawlor 0863061795

OvertOyOu Sophie Curley

I’m getting lots of presents because I was a good girl this year. I’m getting a quad, a phone, a camera, a dolly and a pram for the dolly as well. I can’t wait until it’s Christmas.

Amy McEneaney I love music so I would be pretty pleased with myself if I got an i-Pod forChristmas.

Jade McKeown I’d absolutely love a laptop for Christmas. I love going on the internet so a laptop would be ideal for me.

Sandra Idehen My ideal gift would be a bottle of expen-sive perfume. Hopefully somebody will read this and get the hint.

Cynthia Idehen I would like to get clothes, clothes and more clothes. Ideally I would get a clothes voucher so I could pick out the clothes myself.

What would your ideal Christmas gift be?

Jean and Claire Mc Guinness at The Lava Lounge

Man charged over killingA 32 year-old Inniskeen man who surrendered himself to Gardai in Car-rickmacross after the fatal shooting of James Hughes appeared be-fore Dundalk Court on Tuesday.Shane Rogers of 1, Deery’s Terrace was ac-cused of the murder of 35 year-old Mr. Hughes at Cluan Ard, Lis na Dara, Carrickmacross Road, Dundalk in the early hours of Sunday morning.The accused apolo-gised to the victim, his family and friends along with Tricia Byrne, who was one of the injured. He said when charged “I can’t live with myself for doing this.” The Court was told by his solicitor Martin Crilly that the accused was “absolutely re-


appliances

Bathrooms

Blinds

Blinds Couriers

Book-Keeping

Builder

Chimney repair

Conservatories/windows/sunrooms


Garden sheds

Home Insurance & Claims

Locksmithselectrical

Fuel

Heating

House Maintainance


windows

skipsskips

ParentsThe next Tuesday meeting of Parents Separated Support Group will take place Tuesday January 10 2012. Those wishing on attending the meetings should confirm their intentions with Val on 085 7303609. Meetings are every second Tuesday, donations from 7:30 till 9pm, at Social Services Building, 15a Clanbrassil Street. Visit:www.parentsseparated.org for details.

sent for trialSean Rodgers (25) of 195, Cedarwood Park was sent forward for trial in respect of a robbery at the Londis Store on the Dublin Road on October 30 last year. He was remanded on his own bail at the local court on Wednesday to appear before Dundalk Circuit Court on January 10. He faces two counts in respect of the offence.

Court reportIn a court report in last week’s paper it was incorrectly stated that Gregory McDonagh was convicted over a quantity of heroin found in a house. The substance found was herbal cannabis.

Newsin Brief

TDs from Louth Constituency have been reacting to the Budg-et 2012 since the details of the Government’s plans to save the 3.8 billion in tax increases and spending cuts were announced last week.

Labour TD Gerald nash com-mented that “Overall this has been a tough budget in exceptionally difficult circumstances for Ireland. We are fighting for the economic survival of our country. We have done our best to ensure that it has been as fair as possible.”

Cuts to the health service are a major concern in the area as serv-ices in the Lourdes Hospital are already under pressure and Louth County Hospital’s (LCH) A&e having been downgraded to a mi-nor injuries unit.

But Labour said that the future of Lourdes and the Louth County hospital was the subject of ‘scare-mongering’ and noted the min-ister’s recent funding of beds in LCH to help alleviate the backlog in Drogheda’s A&e as a develop-ment.

Peter Fitzpatrick shared the hope for the health service stating “We’ve already seen the benefit of the Special Delivery Unit in Louth; €700,000 in supports have been approved for Our Lady of Lourdes

allowing the Medical Assessment Unit to open for longer. Extra beds are also being provided. This will help to tackle the trolley crisis that has plagued the hospital.”

However opposition parties re-sponded were more focused on the numbers. Fianna Fail TD Seamus Kirk said “Frontline services are bound to suffer in the face of an almost €500 million cut to next year’s health budget. Health Min-ister James Reilly needs to come clean and spell out the impact this will have on waiting lists and the number of patients being treated in our hospitals.”

Sinn Fein Leader Gerry Adams was also looking into the future, “Our Lady of Lourdes was given additional money to tackle the cri-sis in the emergency Department but that will end at the end of Feb-ruary. At that point Lourdes Hos-pital will be back to where it was a month ago, but with the additional problem of a health service facing massive more cuts as a result of this budget.”

There are also fears for the sta-bility of businesses all along the border region as the 2% VAT in-crease threatens to send shoppers into the north. These concerns are increasing as there are further indi-cations that the UK will reduce its VAT rate in the coming months.

Seamus Kirk TD said “Increa-

sein VAT hit the economy at a time when it is at its most fragile. It is a regressive and unfair tax in-crease which will cost jobs and hit poorer families hardest.”

However, Deputy nash laid the decision to increase VAT at the feet of the previous government. “The rise in VAT was included in the IMF/eU Memorandum of Understanding signed up to by the previous government on behalf of the state.

It could have been phased in over two years but we decided to do it in one year to remove future uncertainty over prices and also because all international research has shown that indirect tax has a less depressive effect on an econ-omy than direct tax.”

Deputy Fitzpatrick has said he does not believe the VAT differ-ence will have as big an impact as it may be feared.

“Obviously increasing the VAT rate has a greater impact on border towns like Dundalk. The differ-ence between our VAT rate and the VAT rate in the north was as high as 6.5% in 2009. But now, after the VAT increase announced in the Budget, the difference will be just 3%. And really, I think it’s the cur-rency exchange rate more than a small difference in VAT rates that leads people to shop up north”.

Local TDs react to budgetBy Niamh Kirk

Winner of the Christmas Draw at Leavy’s Pharmacy, held in celebration of the reopening

of the Square, was Margaret Curtis Oliver Plunkett Park, presenting the prize is Kate Kelly

from Leavys. 2nd prize went to Maura Dunne, 3rd prize Josephine Carroll, Lennon Melia

Court.

Shop robbed twicefrom page 1“We’ll have to wait until the Gardai go through the cctv footage. I under-stand that the Gardai are following a definite lead in relation to the thefts so we’ll probably find out more over

the coming days. “Obviously it’s a worry that the shopping centre was broken into twice in such a short space of time and it’s something were going to have to look at.” added Mr Burns.

award for Mcardle MeatsMc Ardle Meats have just won “Ireland’s Supreme Champion” in the As-sociated Craft Butchers of Ireland national com-petition for Best Spiced Beef.

Judging was by mem-bers of the Irish Food Writers Guild who com-mented on “the excellent balance of spice, salt and fat, giving a unique fla-vour to this traditional

dish”. This isn’t the first time

McArdle Meats have won such a competition. They won the “All Ireland” title for their Honey & Mus-tard Ham in 2010.


sKoDa awarDsKoDa’s compact yeti sUv has won a prestigious In-ternational Green apple environ-ment award. The hon-our has been be-stowed by The Green Organisa-tion, an indepen-dent group dedi-cated to promoting the positive side of environmental behaviour. In exis-tence since 1994, its annual awards highlight the ben-efits and profits that can come

from environmen-tal best practice. This year is the first time it has chosen to honour new cars, and se-lected the Skoda Yeti e 2.0-litre TDI Cr as the inaugu-ral winner in the ‘Smaller SUV & 4x4’ category. The award was judged by Motoring Writers, who were invited to nominate their favourite contend-er from a shortlist of four. The Yeti e 2.0-litre TDI Cr’s

outstanding envi-ronmental perfor-mance – 52.3mpg (combined) fuel economy and only 140g/km CO2 emissions – cou-pled with its prac-ticality and versa-tility, edged out the competition. “It does everything you need a car to do and you get a lot of car for the mon-ey. This is actually that rare beast, an SUV with luggage space,” comment-ed the judges. The

awards presenta-tion took place at a special event at the house of Com-mons on Monday 14 November. A Skoda spokesman com-mented “the Yeti has been a game-changing car for Skoda and to win an award based around its environ-mental credentials is fantastic. That we’re the first win-ner of this honour makes it doubly special.”

New IMProveD JUKeas part of Nissan’s constant drive to improve its prod-ucts, both the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre dCi diesel drivetrains

of the nissan Juke have undergone an optimisation programme to further reduce emissions and boost fuel econo-

my. Thanks to revised gear ratios, 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre dCi tur-bodiesel models fitted with manual

transmissions are now cleaner and more fuel-effi-cient. T h e 1.6-litre petrol vari-ant now returns 47.1mpg on the combined cycle – an improvement of 2.3mpg – and emits just 139g/km of CO2, a reduction of 8g/km. C u s t o m -ers opting for the revised 1.5-litre dCi diesel see fuel economy improve from 55.4mpg to 57.6mpg on the combined cycle, and emissions fall from 134g/km to just 129g/km.


ICe oN roaDs

tHere has been ice in many parts of the county this week so here are some winter driv-ing tips (courtesy of aa Ireland) to help you cope with the conditions: Give your-self plenty of ex-tra time to de-ice your car and allow for traffic delays. Pouring a kettle on the window is not a good idea as it could weaken/crack the glass. •Give the battery a chance! Start the car first and don’t switch on other electrics until after it’s started.•Fully clear all win-dows of snow and ice using a scraper and de-icer. Carry a fully charged phone, torch, first-aid kit, tow rope, blankets, warm coat, boots, jump leads, shovel, warning triangle and an old sack/rug.•Remember stop-ping distances are 10 times longer in

ice and snow.•Gentle manoeu-vres are the key to safe driving.•Wear comfortable, dry shoes. Snow-covered boots will slip on the pedals.•Select 2nd gear when pulling away, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.•When climbing a hill avoid having to stop on the hill by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room between you and the car in front. Try to maintain a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill.•When driving downhill, reduce your speed be-fore the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as pos-sible between you and the car in front.•Always apply brakes gently. re-lease them and

de-clutch if the car skids.•If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop un-til you reach firmer ground. If you have an automatic:Under normal driv-ing conditions (mo-torways, etc) it’s best to select ‘Drive’ and let the gearbox do the work through-out the full gear range. In slippery, snowy conditions you can make driv-ing much safer by selecting 2, which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reli-ant on the brakes. Many modern au-tos have a ‘Winter’ mode which locks out first gear to reduce the risk of wheel spin. Check the handbook if you’re not sure.

BUDGet reaCtIoN

aLaN Nolan, Director General of the society of the Irish Motor In-dustry has made the following statement regarding this years Budget: “We are very disappointed at the decision to implement the VAT increase on the 1st of January. We had made the case to defer the increase until after the first quarter peak-selling period when more than half of all new cars are sold. We had also pressed for improvements to the registration plate system, to address our acute seasonality in sales, which we still be-lieve should be imple-mented even at this stage. For those with pre 2008 cars, annual road Tax will go up by 7.5% which works out at an average

of about €35. For those who bought after 2008, the CO2 based road Tax will increase by 7.5% for all bands except A, B and C which increase by €56, €62 and €28 re-spectively. O b v i o u s l y with the leaks over re-cent weeks, we were not surprised at the road Tax increases, but it is hugely important that the environmen-tal incentive to buy a new car still remains in place. While we don’t welcome these in-creases, a motorist who chooses to purchase a low emitting car next year will still see eco-nomic benefits rela-tive to cars road taxed under the previous cc based system. We still have concerns that VrT and road Tax are facing fur-ther focus in next year’s Budget but in this re-

will be 3.9c and diesel 4.03c higher, 2.7% more than January last year. For the average car that travels 16,000km per year, these fuel tax increases will add an extra €50 to the cost of motoring. Compared to Northern Ireland, fuel duties here will still be lower, however as prices increase, there is always a risk that the

problem of illegal fuel laundering will also in-crease further. The increase in fuel duty is another unwelcome cost for the motorist. While none of these increases by themselves may ap-pear to be a major bur-den, the combination of these increases will impact very significant-ly on motorists.”

gard we welcome Min-ister Noonan’s promise of consultation with the Industry on both these issues in advance of decisions being tak-en. The Minister also announced the in-troduction of a VrT ex-port refund next year, in consultation with the Industry. It will allow for a refund of VrT on a ve-hicle on the permanent export of the vehicle to another member state in the european Union. A l t h o u g h there is no build up of used cars that would immediately benefit from implementation of this scheme at the present-time, never-theless this provision will allow dealers to ex-port surplus used cars or ones that are diffi-cult to sell. As a result of the Carbon Tax increase from midnight tonight, petrol will increase by 1.4c and diesel by 1.6c. however, from the 1st of January next year, with the impact of the 2% VAT increase, petrol

14-12-2011

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