Dundalk Leader

10/11/2025

10/11/2025

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10/11/2025

Chris Clinton named Dundalk FC chairperson

Dundalk FC has a new majority owner with confirmation this morning that US based Irish business man, Chris Clinton, has acquired John Temple's 65% shareholding in the club.

As a result, Mr Clinton will step in as club chairperson with immediate effect and will appoint a new Dundalk FC management board in the coming days.

“I am delighted to take control of Dundalk FC and look forward to progressing the club onto solid foundations, on and off the field,” Mr Clinton said. “Having won promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division and having committed to first-team manager Ciarán Kilduff on a two-year deal, we have already taken some steps to secure our coaching staff.

“However, we also need to address how the club is organized off the field of play, and a primary task in the days ahead will be to assemble a new management board that represents Dundalk FC. In addition, there are various discussions ongoing with several potential new partners to attract income and investment to the club to help stabilize the current financial situation and to build for the longer term.

“I can confirm that we are engaged with the Football Association of Ireland in relation to our Premier Division licence, and we are making progress on the new playing surface and the floodlights upgrade at Oriel Park. Regarding the pitch and lights, I expect that orders for new materials will also be made in the coming days.”

The Dundalk FC chairperson expects that the club will also have offers to make to fans in anticipation of the 2026 season, the Lilywhites’ centenary campaign in the League of Ireland.

“On top of changes that are coming at Oriel Park, another priority will be to ensure there is both a better communication with and a better offering for our fanbase. I would also like to thank the fans of the club for both their patience and support. I know they have a central role at the club, and in that regard, we are preparing the launch of the new home kit for next season and to ensure sufficient stock is in place for fans in advance of the Christmas period. The club intends to launch the 2026 Dundalk FC Season Ticket package, and to relaunch the Dundalk FC 500 Club imminently, both of which are important financial mechanisms and offers that ensure our fans are front and centre of the new direction that the club is seeking to take,” Mr Clinton added.

“These are the immediate tasks to hand, and I also understand that there are many other issues to tackle, but these will be addressed as soon as the management board is appointed and tasked with engaging with our fans, commercial partners and other stakeholders that are part of our wider community.”

07/11/2025

All roads lead to the Dáil this Wednesday for Greenway protestors

Protestors against the proposed Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway will travel to the Dáil this Wednesday to voice their opposition against the use of CPO's on private land. The group say they are not against Greenways but are against forcing landowners to give up their land for non-essential infrastructure such as Greenways and cycleways.

Landowners and homeowners from across Ireland will gather outside the Dáil on Wednesday, 12th November.

The peaceful demonstration -supported by groups from several counties -is a show of unity among communities who have faced uncertainty, lack of transparency, and threats to their property rights under current greenway development processes.

“We are not against greenways. We welcome initiatives that promote tourism and active travel. But using CPOs to forcibly take private land for non-essential infrastructure is wrong,” said a spokesperson for the National Greenway Action Association.

Groups from multiple counties have joined forces to form a National Greenway Action Association committed to peaceful advocacy and genuine community engagement.

“This isn’t about politics -it’s about people, their future, their livelihoods,” the spokesperson added.

“We’re calling for an immediate review of the Greenway Code of Practice with all greenway projects put on hold until a revised Code is agreed. We deserve meaningful consultation as a key stakeholder in greenway development.”
As the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin himself said “Once you get into CPO, you’re in trouble in terms of any greenway” stated a spokesperson for the group.

"On behalf of all landowners on proposed Greenway routes, we are calling for the use of CPOs for Greenways to be removed from the Code of Practice," they added.

The demonstration will take place between 9.30am -12 noon, outside Leinster House, Dublin, on Tuesday, 12th November 2025to coincide with an Oireachtas Transport Committee meeting on Active Travel/Greenways.

06/11/2025

Wine tasting fundraiser in aid of the Birches

Are you still looking for the perfect tipple for your festivities this Christmas? And would you like to help support a much-loved local charity? Great news - you can do both!

Alan MacGuinness of MacGuinness Wine Merchants is hosting a wine tasting evening this Thursday (November 13th) in the Condil Suite of McGeough’s Bar & Restaurant at Roden Place from 6 to 9pm.

Nine suppliers will be represented on the night and Peter Thomas of Bellingham Blue also will be there for a tasting of Irish cheeses. Come along and taste up to 60 amazing Wines, Champagnes, Proseccos and Ports plus a fabulous array of Irish Cheeses with the renowned Peter Thomas and a selection of cold meats from the German Salami Company.

The tickets are €15 each and all of the money raised goes to The Birches Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre - the North Louth branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. This is your chance to decide upon which Wines you need for the Christmas season, and is a perfect opportunity to choose wines for your home, your business or your Christmas Hamper.

The team at MacGuinness Wines look forward to seeing you on Thursday 13th of November anytime between 6pm and 9pm in McGeoughs Bar.

06/11/2025

Operation Tara: Over €137,000 Cannabis Seized at Growhouse in Dundalk. One man arrested.

Gardaí attached to Dundalk Drugs Unit have arrested a man, and seized over €137,000 of suspected illegal cannabis, following a search under warrant of a residence in Dundalk, Co. Louth, on Wednesday 5th November 2025.
During the course of the search, a cannabis cultivation operation was discovered. Approximately 2.5kg of harvested cannabis along with 109 cannabis plants, with a total value of €137,200 were seized.

The drugs seized are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland.
A man (aged in his 50’s) was arrested and detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at a Garda Station in the Co. Louth area.
He has since been charged, and is scheduled to appear before Drogheda District Court this morning, Thursday 6th November 2025, at approximately 10.30am.

Investigations are ongoing.

05/11/2025

Taste Of Church street

Church Street Set for Culinary Delight: Six Dundalk Businesses Launch "Taste of Church Street" Food Trail with a €600 Grand Prize!

Dundalk's Church Street is about to become a foodie's paradise as six beloved local businesses unite to launch the "Taste of Church Street" Food Trail. Running throughout November this exciting initiative encourages locals and visitors alike to explore the street's diverse culinary offerings while enjoying instant rewards and a chance to win a significant prize.

The collaborative venture includes Tony Kieran Butchers, Ma Brady's Restaurant, The Home Bakery, McCormick’s Butchers, Country Fresh, and Conlon's Food Hall. Each business plays a vital role in showcasing the rich tapestry of food available on Church Street.

The concept is simple and rewarding: Customers can collect a free "Taste of Church Street" passport from any of the participating businesses. The challenge then begins, encouraging participants to visit three businesses per week. With every qualifying purchase (€5 or more) at a participating shop, customers will receive a unique stamp in their passport and an instant 10% discount on that purchase – a direct saving with every stop!

Once stamps for 4 weeks have been collected, the completed passport serves as an entry into a grand draw to with a top prize of a phenomenal €600 worth of vouchers, redeemable across all six Church Street businesses. This incredible prize underscores the group's commitment to fostering local spending and community engagement.

Conor McCormick from McCormick's Butchers stated, 'We are absolutely thrilled to bring the 'Taste of Church Street' to life. This is more than just a promotion; it's a celebration of local food, local businesses, and the fantastic community spirit here in Dundalk. With a 10% discount on every stamp and a massive €600 prize up for grabs, we're giving everyone a great reason to explore the incredible variety of culinary delights Church Street has to offer.'"

The "Taste of Church Street" Food Trail is an ideal opportunity for Dundalk residents to rediscover their local high street, support independent businesses, and indulge in incredible food & experiences.

Passports will be available from November 3rd at all six participating locations. Customers are encouraged to follow the journey and share their experiences using on social media.

05/11/2025

Marshes staff celebrate 20 years working in the shopping centre

Staff at the Marshes gathered on Thursday to celebrate twenty years working in the shopping centre. The Marshes opened in 2005 aid much fanfare with over 365,000sq ft of new retail floor space and in excess of 30 new retailing units under its roof as well as 1000 new car parking spaces. Harry Traynor was the original manager of the Shopping Centre but in 2017 Sean Farrell took up the role as manager a position he still holds today.

05/11/2025

Private Homeowner Grants Now Open for Applications

Louth County Council is now accepting applications for grants to help with essential repairs and home adaptations for privately owned homes. These grants are designed to support older people and individuals with disabilities or mobility issues, helping them make their homes safer, more comfortable, and accessible.

There are three types of grants available:
Housing Adaptation Grant
This grant helps cover the cost of changes needed to make a home suitable for someone with a physical, sensory, or intellectual disability, or a mental health condition. Works may include installing downstairs toilets, accessible showers, and other necessary modifications.

Mobility Aids Grant
This grant supports minor works such as grab-rails, access ramps, and stair lifts to improve mobility and safety in the home.

Housing Aid for Older People
This grant is for homeowners aged 66 and over who live in poor housing conditions. It helps with repairs and improvements such as re-roofing, rewiring, and drylining.

These grants are available to private homeowners only. Applications are assessed based on eligibility, available funding, and applicant’s needs, as well as the date the completed application is received.

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:
“Louth County Council is committed to helping people live safely, comfortably, and with dignity in their own homes. These grant schemes are not just about bricks and mortar—they’re about improving quality of life, enabling independence, and ensuring that every resident has access to a home that meets their needs.”
Applications for these grants had been temporarily paused in May 2025 due to high demand. During this time, the Council continued to process emergency (Priority 1) applications.

Ger Murphy, Director of Housing and Cultural Delivery at Louth County Council commented:
“Applications for private homeowner grants have now reopened. We continue to process existing priority applications and invite anyone whose application was returned during the pause to now reapply.

Processing times for applications may be lengthy, as applications are assessed in order of priority and date received. All grant allocations are subject to funding and eligibility.”

Application forms are available online at www.louthcoco.ie and at Louth County Council’s customer service desks in Dundalk, Drogheda, and Ardee.
For more information or help with applications, contact the Housing Grants Team by email at [email protected] or phone at 042 933 5457.

05/11/2025

Susan launches final installment of ‘The She Team’ children’s book series

Roe River Books, Clanbrassil Street was packed to capacity on Tuesday evening, 21st October for the launch of a children’s book called The She Team Plus One. This book, written by Susan McGovern is her sixth book and is the third in the trilogy of The She Team books. The original team, based on current and former pets in the McGovern household, is made up of 4 cats and a dog, all female, who have all been abused by various people and are rescued by three boys, based on Susan’s grandchildren. Each animal has a superpower which they use to get back at their former owners and attempt to stop them mistreating other animals. For example, one of the cats, Ebi, has very strong claws and can use them to type and send emails.

The She Team Plus One tells the tale of a fifth cat, Smokie, also female, who is made homeless when her owner dies. In looking for a new home, she arrives at the O’Brien household, the home of The She Team, where Mags, the dog, is very kind to her, but the four cats are hostile. The animals go through a series of adventures together in which Smokie gradually proves herself to the animals of The She Team and also to Mammy and the Daddy O’Brien.

The She Team Does Lockdown was launched by Fiona Squibbs, Animal Welfare Inspector in Louth SPCA. In launching the book, Fiona spoke of the work she did in the SPCA and told the audience that it was not only cats and dogs that were rescued by them but goats, roosters, foals and a variety of other animals.

Susan presented a slide show of the real animals and children behind The She Team and explained how each animal had ended up in their home. All bar one of the animals were rescue animals, which was the inspiration for Susan to write the books. The book is dedicated to Smokie, the Plus One of The She Team Plus One. Extracts from the book were read by Cúnla O’Keefe and Sarah Gilbert.

The She Team Does Lockdown is suitable for children aged 6 to 12 and is on sale in Roe River Books and online on www.susanmcgovern.ie and www.buythebook.ie. The original two books, The She Team and The She Team Does Lockdown are also on sale in these places.

05/11/2025

Peter McDermott from Willow Grove on the Carrick Road, captured this wonderful sunset recently and was kind enough to share it with us.