Drogheda Leader

12/08/2025

Amanda appointed as County Librarian

Louth County Council has officially appointed Amanda Branigan as County Librarian and Head of Cultural Services.

A native of Dundalk, Amanda has worked in the Louth Library Service for over twenty-five years and has served as Acting County Librarian for the past three years. She is a former student of St Vincent’s Secondary School and holds both an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate diploma in Library and Information Studies from UCD.

“I am delighted, honoured and proud to be the new County Librarian,” she said. “Most of my professional career has been spent in Louth, and it’s a wonderful place to work.”

She now leads a team of 55 staff members across five library branches, including the newly opened Dunleer branch, as well as the Archives Service, Arts Service, and County Museum.

“No two days are the same in this role,” she added. “Thanks to significant investment by Louth County Council, we have been able to achieve all the strategic objectives of our current library plan.”

For more see page 15 www.droghedaleader.ie

12/08/2025

Keep an eye out for this week's issue in our branded stands in shops and supermarkets across Drogheda, Mid Louth and East Meath.

You can also read the newspaper online at www.droghedaleader.ie

11/08/2025

This week's issue is out tomorrow

Keep an eye out for it in our branded stands in shops and supermarkets across Drogheda, Mid Louth and East Meath.
Got a story? Email us at [email protected] or send us a private message.

You can also read the newspaper online at www.droghedaleader.ie

09/08/2025

Got a story? Email us at [email protected] or send us a private message.

You can also read the newspaper online at

Serving the people of Drogheda, East Meath and Mid Louth since 1995, we currently reach 70,000 readers each week, delivering a high quality free newspaper into businesses and newsagents and areas where people congregate.

08/08/2025

Kevin calling it a day after 45 years behind the counter

After 45 years behind the counter and a lifetime in the building, Kevin McAllister is calling it a day at his electrical store at 88 West Street, Drogheda.

For him, it was never just a shop. It was home. He was raised in the apartment upstairs with his four sisters. At 17, he left school, came downstairs, and joined the family business. After decades in the family business, Kevin has announced his decision to retire.

He remembers a different Drogheda, one with grocers, bakeries, sweet shops, and streets full of independent traders.

“Most people lived above their shops,” he said. “There was a great variety, and the town was full of life.”

He noted his customers' continued support through the Covid-19 pandemic, when the shop stayed open as an essential service.

(Kevin is pictured in the apartment above the shop)

Read the full story on page 6 www.droghedaleader.ie

07/08/2025

Over €750,000 worth of cannabis plants seized at a growhouse in Drogheda

Gardaí have seized cannabis plants worth more than €750,000 following a search operation in Drogheda on Tuesday, 5th August.

As part of an ongoing operation targeting the sale and supply of drugs, gardaí attached to the Dublin Crime Response Team and Drogheda searched a premises and found a large-scale cannabis cultivation factory.

Cannabis plants with an estimated street value of more than €750,000 were sized. Two men (aged in their 40s) were arrested at the scene and are currently being detained at Garda Stations in the north east of the country under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. The drugs have been sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. Investigations are ongoing.

Commenting on the investigation, Assistant Commissioner Cliona Richardson said, "The discovery and dismantling of this sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation will affect the ability of those involved to cause harm in our communities. The investigation – led by the Dublin Crime Response Team under Operation Tara and assisted by local Gardaí in Drogheda – demonstrates An Garda Síochána’s commitment to collaboratively target drug trafficking networks and related criminal activity occurring in and impacting not only Dublin but other Regions throughout the country.”

This seizure forms part of Operation Tara; an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy, which was launched by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on 2nd July 2021. The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks at all levels – international, national, local – involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs.

Pic cedit: An Garda Siochana

06/08/2025

Community mural transforms area

A blank wall in Rathmullen estate in Drogheda has been transformed into a vibrant mural by more than 80 children and young people from the local area.

Completed in mid-July and unveiled on the 22nd July with a visit from Mayor Michelle Hall, the mural has quickly become a cherished addition to the neighbourhood.

The project was sparked by a collaboration between My Streets Ireland and Ballsgrove Youth Club.

Speaking about the project, Chloe Kelly of Ballsgrove Youth Group expressed her pride, “This community project has been one of my favourites so far. The time and dedication from each young person was so amazing to see, and for them all to see their ideas come to life and have something within their community that they can be proud of is marvellous. I am so proud of each and every young person. Our community is wonderful because we have you all in it.”

Read the full story on page 4 www.droghedaleader.ie

05/08/2025

Did you get married recently?

Are you from Drogheda, East Meath or Mid Louth. Would you like your big day to feature in the Drogheda Leader?
Get in touch and send us details and pictures from your wedding day.

Send a private message or email [email protected]

04/08/2025

The next edition of the Drogheda Leader is out on Wednesday

If you have any news to share please send us a private message or email [email protected]

03/08/2025

It is that time of year again, with Graduation Balls (Debs) being held.

Please share your pictures here. Include at least first names and the name of the local school.

We will use a selection in one of our upcoming editions.

(Also, if you have an upcoming Graduation Ball PM us details about the local bus pick up locations)