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Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: News from Kilkerley, Knockbridge, Louth and Shelagh
Kilkerley The usual communion rounds by clergy take place this week but note that Fr Gerry will do his calls on Friday (not Thursday). Family Tree Healing mass is in Knockbridge on Monday next July 6, at 8.00pm preceded by confessions and rosary. St Oliver Plunkett 400 celebrations take place in Drogheda on Saturday and Sunday next July 5/6 and on Sunday, July 13, in Louth Village there will be a procession from the church at 2.00pm to Ardpatrick for mass at 3.00pm with refreshments afterwards. Rally of Life takes place in Dublin on Saturday next, July 5, at 1.30pm. Bus leaves Dundalk at 12noon from Holy Family Church. Cost is Skerries, €20, details from Patricia 087 7671657. Remember in your prayers, Anthony Reilly, Courtbane, formerly Rathmore, Helen O'Connell, Dublin Rd, Haggardstown, Peter Holland, Skerries, who died recently. Good wishes to all who are hospitalised or in nursing homes or unwell at home presently. Dancing Dancing continues on Sunday nights in the Community Centre from 8.30pm to 11.00pm as follows- This Sunday, July 6, The Wicklow Man plays; Chris Dallet plays on Sunday, July 13, Silver Moon (Donal and Bobby) play on Sunday, July 20. Jackpot €15,000 Kilkerley Emmets Lotto Draw on Tuesday, July 1, had a Jackpot of €15,000. Numbers drawn on Tuesday, June 24, for jackpot of €15,000, were 05, 06, 11, 15. No winner. Match 3 winner got €200 for Susanne Dunne 5, 11, 15, 21. Thanks to all who support the lotto. Entry €2 or three for €5. join onlne via website or Clubzap. Flag Day Kilkerley Emmets Flag Day takes place this Saturday next, July 5. Hopefully you can spare some time to help out on the day and get your name in asap to Caroline Deery 083 4385007 or Catherine Shevlin 0876537411 for the Roster, to crew as many locations as possible around town. Blessing of Graves Cemetery Sunday will take place on Sunday, July 13, with 10.30am mass in the cemetery, weather permitting. Athletic Club There will be a three week break in training from July 1 and resuming on Tuesday, July 22. Blackrock Beach races take place this Thursday and as it is a Club event we are hoping a big number of members will attend to represent Kilkerley AC. Coaches will be in attendance. Emmets GFC Intermediate League Rd 12 is this Sunday, July 6, at home to St Brides at 3.00pm. Rd 13 on Saturday, July 12, at home to Roche Emmets at 7.00pm; Rd 14 on Saturday, July 19, away to Dundalk Gaels at 7.00pm; Rd 15 on Saturday, July 26, at home to Mattock Rangers at 7.00pm and Rd 16 on Thursday, July 31, at 8.00pm away to Stabannon. Next junior game is at home v Mattock at 7.30pm on Tuesday next, July 8. On Wednesday last our U14 Boys drew 2-14 to 3-11 in the A Championship Group 3 away to Dreadnots. On Tuesday last our minor boys U18 Div 3 lge team lost 4-12 to 3-17 to O'Raghallaighs at the Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda. Scorers- Stephen Kelly 3-1; Adrian Conlon 1-4; Luke Shevlin and Ryan Holland 0-2 each; Tadhg Fitzgerald, Alex Babbington and Oisin McElroy 0-1 each. Then on Thursday last they drew 2-15 each away to St Kevins Lannleire. Our scorers- Luke Shevlin 1-5; Ryan Holland 1-2; Shea Finnegan, Alex Babington 0-2 each; Stephen Kelly; Adrian Conlon; Tadhg Fitzgerald, and Oisin McElroy 0-1 each. They play away to Clans this Friday at 8.00pm. Huge thanks to O'Callaghan travel, Dundalk for sponsoring a new set of jerseys for the minor team. #SupportLocal #ClubSponsor #Gratitude #OCallaghan Travel #MinorBoys. Your ongoing support is really appreciated and the club is proud to you as part of our team. Check out O'Callaghan Travel when planning your holiday. 042 9330600 info@ Further minor games - Thursday, July 10 away to Dreadnots; Friday, July 18 at home v Dundalk Gaels at 8.00pm; Thursday, July 24 away to St Pats at 8.00pm. In Div 2 league our U16 Boys lost at home 0-7 to 3-14 against Roche Emmets on Monday 23/06/2025. Our U10 Mixed played well in the Hunterstown Blitz in games with Clans, Plunkets and the home team. U9 Girls did well in the Blitz in Louth Village on Sunday morning last in games against St Pats, Young Irelands and St Mochtas. Our Girls lost in the U14 A Championship QTR Final 4-7 to 5-14 away to St Brides. Junior B Girls Team lost 0-14 to 2-7 on Sunday last away to Roche. Bowls Bowling in the Community Centre will resume on Wednesday, September 3, at 7.45pm, following the summer break. New members welcome from juveniles upwards. CES Vacancy The following vacancy exists in Inniskeen West Louth Development CE Scheme - 1 Caretaker Groundsperson for Kilkerley Emmets GFC. Eligibility applies to this vacancy. If you are interested please contact Cathriona O'Rourke CE Office on 087 2055119/ cathriona@ or any committee member of Kilkerley Emmets GFC. ALONE This organisation has a national support for older people to enable them to stay living at home for longer. Volunteers are needed in your area so if you are willing to provide companionship or make calls to Older People once a week then call Fiona on 086 1366539 or email or sign up here: Full training and support provided. St Vincent de Paul From time to time families and individuals can find themselves in real need. It may be big or small, short or long term, so if you find yourself in that space contact our Help Line at St Vincent de Paul Society on 1800 677 777 in complete confidentiality or contact the local Kilkerley, St Therese Conference and you will also be treated with total confidentiality. Knockbridge Parish News Rally of Life takes place in Dublin this Saturday, July 5, at 1.30pm. Bus leaves Dundalk at 12noon from Holy Family Church. Cost is €20, details from Patricia 087 7671657. The usual communion rounds by clergy take place this week, but Fr Gerry will do his calls on Friday (not Thursday). Family Tree Healing mass is in Knockbridge on Monday next at 8.00pm preceded by confessions and rosary. St Oliver Plunkett 400 celebrations take place in Drogheda on Saturday and Sunday next July 5/6 and on Sunday, July 13, in Louth Village there will be a procession from the church AT 2.00PM TO Ardpatrick for mass at 3.00pm with refreshments afterwards. Remember in your prayers, Eamonn Kirk, Ballinclare, Helen O'Connell, Dublin Road, Haggardstown, who died recently. Vintage Club Our Knockbridge Vintage Club Road Run scheduled for last Sunday was cancelled due to a bereavement within our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. St Brides LGFA On Wednesday last, the U16 Div 1 Quarter Final away to Cooley ended in defeat 3-9 to 0-8. Training each Saturday morning at 10.00am for U11 and U12 Girls. St Brides Camogie Training in the pitch every Friday evening at 5.30pm for juveniles U6s, U8s, U10s, U12s. Centre Anyone wishing to book the Parish Centre for funerals and other occasions please contact Jean Myers directly at 042 9338670. ALONE This organisation has a national support for older people to enable them to stay living at home for longer. Volunteers are needed in your area so if you are willing to provide companionship or make calls to Older People once a week then call Fiona on 086 1366539 or email or sign up here: Full training and support provided. Hurling Club members are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Eamonn Kirk. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and everybody in our community at this sad and difficult time. Eamonn will be remembered with great respect and his loss will be deeply felt across our community. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. The senior team lost 3-16 to 3-12 on Wednesday last away to Truagh. On Monday of this week June 30, the re-fixture with St Fechins in the Maurice Murphy Cup Final was to be played. This Thursday, July 3, at 8.00pm it's a home match with Castleblayney and on Thursday, July 10, its away to Clontibret at 8.00pm. Juvenile training in the pitch every Friday evening at 5.30pm. U6s, U8s, U10s, U12s, all welcome. Golf Classic 2025 takes place on Friday, July 25, in Ardee Golf Club. 4-person scramble | €200/team (meal included). GUI/Non-GUI prizes; Tee times from 12:30 (€50 deposit); Tee sponsor options: €150 / €100 / €50; Contact Declan: 087 134 5234 Bootcamp Great skills were displayed by all at the St Brides GFC Skills Bootcamp held on Tuesday evening of last. A roaring success and well done to the organisers on a wonderful event! Massive thank you to St Brides Mothers and St Brides Dads and Lads for donating a new Skillmaster Rebounder for the bootcamp. St Brides GFC Eamonn Kirk RIP - St. Brides GFC wishes to express its deepest condolences to his wife, Áine, sons, Cillian, Emmett, and Nathan; daughter, Naoise and the entire Kirk family on Eamonn's passing. Eamonn wore the St. Brides jersey for many years and was a valued member of the team that played in the 2002 senior final. Off the pitch, he was deeply involved at the committee level and served as chairman of the club during the period from 2010 to 2012. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Áine, his children, Cillian, Emmett, Naoise, and Nathan and the extended Kirk family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Rd 12 of the main league for the Intermediate men's team is this Sunday, July 6, away to Kilkerley at 3.00pm. Rd 13 on Saturday, July 12 away to Stabannon at 7.00pm, Rd 14 away to Roche at 7.00pm on Saturday, July 19, Rd 15 on Thursday July 24, at home Dundalk Gaels at 8.00pm. Rd 16 on Thursday July 31, away to Mattock at 8.00pm. Junior men play at home to Newtown Blues at 7.30pm on Tuesday next, July 8. U16 Fixtures- (h) v Dundalk Gaels on Monday next, July 7; (a) v Irelands at 8.00pm; Monday, July 14, (h) v Plunkets at 8.00pm; Wednesday, July 16, (a) v Cooley at 8.00pm; Monday, July 21, (h) v St Nicks at 8.00pm. Lotto continued on Monday last, June 30, for a jackpot of €14,000. Numbers drawn on 23/06/25, (16, 20, 30, 32) for Jackpot of €13,600. No Winner. No Match 3 winners. Play Online at Tickets on sale (Priced €2, or 3 lines for €5) from MacNamee's Bar, Today's Local Shop, Lisa's Chipper, Harrys Bar, Dundalk, The Big House Bar, Dundalk, McKeown's Bar, Dundalk, Wee House, Dundalk, The Copper Kettle and from the committee. St Vincent de Paul From time to time families and individuals can find themselves in real need. It may be big or small, short or long term, so if you find yourself in that space contact our Help Line at St Vincent de Paul Society on 1800 677 777 in complete confidentiality. Golf Classic Knockbridge Hurling Club Golf Classic 2025 takes place on Friday, July 25, in Ardee Golf Club. 4-person scramble | €200/team (meal included). GUI/Non-GUI prizes; Tee times from 12:30 (€50 deposit); Tee sponsor options: €150 / €100 / €50; Contact Declan: 087 134 5234 Yoga Class in Knockbridge Community Centre on Tuesday evenings from 7.00pm – 8.00pm. For Booking or more information Contact Alan on 0857326964. All levels welcome. Fitness Class These Fitness Classes for females over 50 years of age continues each Monday at 10.00am at Stephenstown Pond. Bingo The bingo sessions continue in the Community Centre on Thursdays at 8.00pm. Further information from James Watters on 087 2568895. Louth St Oliver's 400th As we all know St. Oliver Plunkett whose 400th anniversary of his birth is being celebrated this year had a very close connection with Louth parish. He ordained Priests and lived with his Brother in Ard Patrick and to Celebrate this there will be a procession leaving Louth Church to Ard Patrick on Sunday 13th July. The procession will commence at 2pm. Mass will be celebrated at Ardpatrick at 3pm. This will be followed with refreshments. Lets hope the weather stays fine to help us celebrate this very historic event. Parish draw The Louth Stonetown parish fundraising draw was held last Sunday after Mass and the winner was Maria Shakey who received the prize of €150. The committee would like to thank all who helped sell or bought tickets. The next draw will take place on Sunday July 20th after Mass. Monthly Communion Fr. Campbell will do the monthly Communion rounds this week on Friday not Thursday. Blessing of Graves Blessing of the Graves will take place in Louth as usual on the first Sunday in August which is the 3rd of August at 6pm. This will be preceded by an Blessing of the Graves in the Monastery cemetery at 5.30pm. Congratulations We send congratulations to St. Mochtas Player Eimear Byrne who is part of the Louth football team who has reached the All the All Ireland Football semi final and we wish her and the team all the best. Best wishes We send best wishes to Paddy Kettle who has retired from his post with St. Mochtas school Louth. Paddy give tremendous service to the school and will be sadly missed. Paddy was loved by all teachers fellow staff but especially by the pupils. We thank Paddy for the great service he give to the club and wish him well in his retirement.
BreakingNews.ie
20-06-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
101-year-old school with two pupils to close on Friday
A 101-year-old school that only had two students this year is to close on Friday. St. Oliver's national school in Stonetown, Dundalk, Co Louth is set to close its doors after the one sixth class student graduates. Advertisement Barry Og O'Brien (11) will start post-primary school in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan in September while his younger sister Sheila (7) will enrol in second class in the nearby school in Louth Village. Father of the two students, Barry, said he is saddened to see a school with such history in the parish close. Originally from Lisdoo, Barry and his wife Majella moved to the parish 21 years ago and four of his seven children were educated at Stonetown. "When we moved three of our children were already settled in school in Dundalk so we left them there but our youngest four all completed their education at Stonetown and were very happy there," he said. Advertisement "Hundreds of past pupils attended the 100th year anniversary celebrations last year and shared so many wonderful and cherished memories of their time here. Over the years, the numbers just dropped off until my two children were the last pupils in the school last September. "We did approach all the politicians for help and Peter Fitzpatrick did try and help by organising a meeting with the then education Minister Norma Foley. "We thought maybe we could get students bussed out from areas in Dundalk but unfortunately, the general elections were called and that was that. Peter retired from politics and the education ministry changed. "None of my children ever missed a day at Stonetown School and they left every morning and came home every afternoon with smiles on their faces. They were very happy there. Advertisement "Barry Og and Sheila will miss the school but they are happy to go to a new school with more students and new friends. I know the school couldn't carry on without students but I know it was a hard decision to be made to close it and it is a very sad day for the area. Ireland Electric Picnic to cost €25m to €30m to stage Read More In a statement the Department of Education and Youth said: "The decision-making authority for a school closure is the patron of that school. "Any proposal to close a school must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders, parents, teachers, students and local communities and follow decisions taken at local level. "A proposed closure is then subject to the agreement of the Department of Education and Youth. "The Patron of Stonetown National School, Dundalk, Co Louth (roll number 16431Q) requested the closure of the school at the end of the current school year and the Department has agreed to this request. Where a decision is made to close a school, all relevant teachers are redeployed in time for the new school year.
RTÉ News
09-06-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Exhibition marks 400th anniversary of St Oliver Plunkett's birth
The official launch of an exhibition to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the birth of St Oliver Plunkett will take place in Drogheda, Co Louth today. The exhibition will include a number of artefacts and memorabilia associated with the iconic saint that have never previously been on public display. St Oliver Plunkett was born in Loughcrew in Co Meath on 1 November 1625 and was ordained to the priesthood in Rome in 1654, having studied at the Irish College in the city. He later became the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland and maintained his duties in the face of the Penal Laws when the Catholic Church was being suppressed. St Oliver Plunkett was eventually arrested and tried for treason in London. He was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn on 1 July 1681. His head was rescued by a group of his friends and eventually made its way to St Peter's Church in Drogheda, where it remains today in a specially made shrine. A series of events is taking place in the town this year to mark 400 years since St Oliver Plunkett's birth, and also the 50 years since his can canonisation in 1975, when he became the first newly-made Irish saint for almost 700 years. The official launch of the St Oliver 400 Commemorative Exhibition will take place at the Drogheda Civic Offices on Fair Street. The exhibition will include St Oliver's Crozier loaned from a private collection, the original ebony casing which housed the saint's head and an original coffin plate from the Monastery of St Catherine of Siena in Drogheda. Other items going on public display are three silver crucifixes attributed to the saint and vestments loaned from St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh and Mullingar Museum. The exhibition also includes a large collection of banners, books, coins and a written account of the then archbishop's trial in London in 1681. Co-chair of the Saint Oliver 400 Community Group, Tommy Burns said: "It is fitting that St Oliver who reformed the clergy, built schools, brought peace and hope to the people is still so fondly remembered in Ireland, and exemplified in this important exhibition in Drogheda, 400 years after his birth." Meanwhile, local historian Séamus Bellew, who specialises in heraldry and genealogy, said: "This exhibition brings together a rare collection of items, comprising books, brasses and the reliquary that housed St Oliver's head, all from the 17th century and much more besides...a must see." Thomas McEvoy, Deputy Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said it is important to commemorate the life of St Oliver as his story is one of "resilience and integrity during some of the most turbulent periods in our history." Mr McEvoy said: "His unwavering commitment to peace, reconciliation, and education serves as a timeless example for us all and the Saint Oliver 400 Exhibition brings this legacy to life in a new and powerful way. "On behalf of Louth County Council, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Saint Oliver 400 Community Group who have organised this exhibition here in our Civic Offices in the heart of Drogheda." The exhibition runs at 'The Exhibition Space' at Drogheda Civic Offices on weekdays until 4 July.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
St Peter's Church may be elevated to a basilica
Visitors from all over the globe regularly call into the distinguished church to see the head and shrine of St Oliver Plunkett. Now the Catholic Primate of All Ireland, and Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin wants to see the historic building elevated to a Basilica This is a special honour that can only be bestowed upon a famous church by a ruling Pope. But the Archbishop seems very hopeful and confident it can happen if the people of St Peter's Parish and his fellow Irish Bishops get behind the move. He also believes making St Peter's a Basilica will transform it into a church for the international community. In an interview with Ken Murray on LMFM he said; "In Knock we have the Basilica of Our Lady of Knock which is also an international Marian and Eucharistic Shrine. It's more than simply a parish church or a parish place. "So I would want to be sure in my heart that this is what the people in the parish would like.. And if so, we can always apply for it to Rome, to the Holy See and I would certainly support that. I would imagine we would also have the support from the various Bishops of Ireland. "In many ways to do such a thing would be to mark a church which is very dear to the people of Ireland and especially to the people in our Archdiocese and in Louth. "I think it is something that we could apply for. One of the things we would need would be for the people of the parish to be clear that that is what they would like. 'I suppose in some ways there is something beautiful about St Peter's Church is that its also a parish church. It's very much an alive parish congregation who are there. ADVERTISEMENT "A Basilica will bring demands on a place to be open very much nationally and internationally but that's something that certainly you know. "I've spoken to the Parish Priest about this and it is certainly something I would support." All year round buses pull up with tourists at St Peter's so they can see the church and St Oliver. The town around the country and globally is known as much for St Oliver's relic as much as the Battle of the Boyne. The move to a Basilica would give a much needed boost to the town centre which has been struggling to retain footfall lately. St Peter RC Church was designed by John O'Neill and William Henry Byrne,built in a French Gothic Style of local limestone ashlar and opened its doors in 1884. It is renowned for its tall west gable rose window. The church is 222 feet high. St Oliver Plunkett was hung, drawn and quartered in Tyburn, London in 1681. His national shrine in St Peter's contains his preserved head, his shoulder blade and other bones as relics along with the cell door of Newgate Prison where he was detained before his execution for his faith.
