THE

EDSTABLISHEDIN 1849UNDALKBecauseDLife is LocalEMOCRATCOUNTY EDITION Wednesday, 11th March, 2009 See us on the web at www.dundalkdemocrat.ie Week 11 2009 Price: r2.00

WEDNESDAYM ARCH 11 2009 FIND A FELDAKEYRING MONEY MATTERS Find a keyring and win a membership - Your FREE guide to surviving r5,000 of memberships to be won the global financial crisis

Dundalk Democrat, Free supplement inside CroweStreet,D undalk,CoL See page 19 for more details Telephone 042 outh Brough 9334058 Fax 042 ttoyou 9331399 THE by Co ntact Advert ising Department: T: 042 933 4058 DEMOCRAT advertising@dundalkdemocror email Address: Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth | Phone: 042-9334058 | e-mail: [email protected] | [email protected] | Text: 087-7732989 | Fax: 042-9331399 at.ie TOGETHER IN HEAVEN Dundalk grieves as little Jayden (2) passes away after month-long battle

By Gary McLaughlin was pre-occupied with her hair and his own, playing with BRAV Elittle Jayden Casey it between his fingers.” Murden was laid to rest on In an emotional moment, Fr. Sunday, a little over a week Rushe told mourners of how since his sister, Jenna, 4, was much love his big brother laid to rest. John, who was there on Jayden, from Castleross, crutches, and his big sister, had recently turned two years Jenna, had for him. old and was described by his “Jenna loved Jayden and father, John Casey, as a “little smothered him with kisses or fighter with a big heart”. He strangled him with hugs any passed away last Thursday, chance she got. March 5th, after a month of “In his two short years he fighting for his life. was a bright, intelligent and active boy who brought much joy to his family, talking and “In his two short singing away to himself, or sitting watching ‘Bob’ with his years he was a wee bottle, or ‘doh’ in the mornings.” bright, intelligent At the ceremony, Temple Street Children’s Hospital and active boy who provided an emotional poem on the day, as they did at brought much joy to Jenna's service, entitled ‘A message from Jayden’. Jayden is survived by his his family.” parents John and Denise and his older brother John, who He was a passenger in the was also in the crash. He is jeep that collided with Dixon's predeceased by his sister, Pub in Maxwell Row on Jenna. He will be greatly Janaury 31. missed by his grandparents, His sister, Jenna, who was Barbara, Catriona and Johnny, described as a “brief rainbow” his great grandmother, passed away a week earlier, on Elizabeth, and all his aunts, Jayden's second birthday, on uncles, cousins and extended February 24. family and friends. The news of little Jayden's passing only further rocked a community that was deep in mourning for the death of his sister. l UNITED AGAIN . . . little Jayden Casey Murden (left), who passed away last Thursday, pictured last Christmas, and his sister Jenna His funeral was held in the (right), who had succumbed to her injuries on February 24th. same church as his sister's “little surprise” that was parents Denise Murden and baby, 10lb 4oz, and he was a great sleeper, especially service, The Church of St. Jayden. John, and “as often surprises continued to grow. Yo u when he got into bed beside Joseph, Fatima where At the ceremony, Father do, turned out to be a special wouldn’t think he was just two his mother, Denise. hundreds of mourners came Paddy Rushe, described him joy in the life of his parents”. by looking at him, or indeed “A nd whether he was there, out to pay their respects to the as “a little surprise” for He continued: “He was a big listening to him. As a baby he or just sitting on her knee, he 12 / Review of 2009 DUNDALK DEMOCRAT Wednesday, 30th December, 2009 Review of the year 2009 The biggest stories form January, Feburay and March Superquinn closes its Flagship store Lifting the lid on THE consortium thatowns changed market. Superquinn enters talks Superquinn begins with aDundalk engaging in formal businessman to sell its negotiations with Dundalk’s swingers storeinthe town, which is employees and their union later closed with the loss representatives to ensure JANUARY2009 sawThe Dundalk of 67 jobs. the redundancies are Democrat lift the lid on seedy Dundalk- Superquinn claims the implemented as soon as based sexgroups which offer swingers in the area the chancetomeet up and "get it closureofthe Dundalk possible. Responding to on". storeispart of astrategy Superquinn’s The expose reveals thatover100 people aimed at boosting the announcementCllr Mark including local couples and individuals company’s Dearey calls on the wanttohavesex with morethan one competitiveness. l The Superquinn store, at Carroll Village Minister for Enterprise partnerorsharetheirpartnerwithothers. According to Superquinn and Employmentto‘acton Our readers learn thatthereare three Chairman Simon Burke, it In astatementissued by position and reduceits Forfas recommendations Dundalk sexgroups listed on the website had tried to get “every Superquinn, Mr Burke costs, so thatitcan and get in place the group which caters to young men who are www.swing4ireland.comincluding grocer in the state”totake says the move is designed continue to operate grocerysupply chain “lookingforhotmomsandmaturewomen ‘Dundalk NSA’, ‘Dundalk Hook-Ups’and overthe storebefore to strengthen the competitively and enjoyedbythemultiplesin in Dundalk who love young c**k and toy ‘YoungforoldDundalk’. deciding to close it. company’strading successfully in aradically the North’. boys”. The group ‘Dundalk Hook-Ups’has 101 Meanwhile Paul (28) and Sophie (26), a members and was aimed at people married couple from Dundalk who joined “looking for fun and meetings in Dundalk the swinging website in early January, are Dundalk mourns Monsignor Shields and surrounding areas”. Thereare nine keen to experimentinadult parties, members of the ‘Young for old Dundalk’ outdoorsexandroleplay. IN January St Patrick's prayerfor peaceinwar- in Gaza. Shields. Cathedral Dundalk was thorn Gazza. Cardinal Cardinal Brady was Cardinal Brady said crowded forthe requiem Brady said Monsignor the chief celebrantatthe MonsignorShields will Mass forRtRev Shields had composed con-celebrated Mass. always be associated Brave mother speaks Monsignor Peter Shields the PrayertoStOliver Other celebrants with the Armagh PE. Monsignor Shields Plunkettwhich had been included BishopGerard Diocesan Pilgrimage to wasaformer parish recited dailybythe Clifford, Fr Gerry Lourdes. priestofArdee and had people of thiscountry as Campbell, AdmDundalk, “He devoted alot of out over son’s murder been acurate in Dundalk theysought peace and Fr GerryTremer,and energy in building up the IN another hard-hitting thather 24-year-oldson, conducted at Louth County for28years. reconciliation.Heasked Monsignor Frances Armagh pilgrimage,” said At the Mass Cardinal people to recite the Donnellywho had served Cardinal Brady.“Thesick exclusive,The Dundalk Stephen, knew his killer Hospital found thathedied Sean Bradyasked prayerfor peaceinthe in Dundalk formany and their welfare washis Democrat speaks to the and thathewas stabbed to as aresult of stab wounds mourners to recite a HolyLand, particularly years with Monsignor firstpriority.” grieving mother of murder deathbecauseheowedhim to the neck and chestarea. victim Stephen Quigley j500. "Stephen wasmyson. from Cortial, Kilkerley Stephen’sbodywas He wasthe bestinthe whoreveals she is living in discovered in alanewayby world. We had our ups and fear. afemale passer-bynear downs likeany family...I’m Local Grand Slam hero Adistraught Bernadette Woodbury Gardens too scared to go into town. Quigleysaysshe is worried housing estate offThe When Ilook at strange THE father of local Grand Slam hero absolutely deservedtowin. It’sa the killer might target Avenue Road on December men, Ithink theymight RobertKearneyspeaksabouttheIrish fairytale for the guys. After the game, other members of her 27, 2008 at 11.50pm. The have done it,” says rugbyteam's "fairytale win" over itwascrazy.Theplayersweremobbed family. She alsobelieves postmortem examination Bernadette. Wales in Cardiff. David Kearneyfrom by the fans and had agood nightof Carlingfordreveals thatwatching his celebrations,"hesays. 23-year-old son, Robert, playinthe David adds thatRobert picked up an Bobby receives the perfect present historic RBSSix Nations injuryinthe last three and half championship was "an emotional minutes of the game which caused his days after the surgeryhas aboweldefect journey". back to go into spasm. However, thatonlyoneotherchildinEuropesuffers David watched the nail-biting contest shortly afterwards the fullback went from.Hewasduetohavethreeoperations between Ireland and Wales in Cardiff backintotraining. inayeartoconstructatubefromhisback withhiswifeSiobhan. John Grogan from Riverstown, one of passage to his bladder,but little Bobby "I’venever seen anything likeit. The manyrugbyfans from the area who was left in limbo and agonyfor 13 months squad put in abrilliantperformance. madethejourneytoCardifftocheeron followinghisfirstoperation. The last fewminutes showedthe l Robert Kearney displaying his theIrishrugbyteam,agreesthatitwas The operation effectively ended two team’s mental strength. We Grand Slam medal a"fabulousgamefromstarttofinish". l Bobby Carroll celebrating his 2nd years of hell for Bobby's parents as they birthday with his parents foughtitoutwiththeHSEtogetadatefor their son's operation. “It was the best McArdle guilty of wife’s manslaughter IN FebruaryBrave BobbyCarroll got the newsforus.Everyoneweknewwasaware perfect early birthdaypresentwhen he of it and when Iwas refereeing afootball THE familyofawoman Haggardstown wasfound received avital operation, which was the game the other day, some parents were whowas killed by Dermot guiltyofmanslaughter in firstofitskindperformedinIreland. McArdle welcome a October 2008 after afive asking me howitwas going and theywere Spanish court's decision daytrial in which he was Bobby, who turned two-years-old just delightedtohearaboutit.” to reject abid to overturn accused of murderinghis his manslaughter wife, KellyAnne Complaint made to the Equality Authority conviction. Corcoran while on KellyAnne Corcoran’s holidayinSpain in 2000. IN March aDundalk woman whoclaims Civil and Public Servants) Income brother-in-law, Peter KellyAnne died after she wasdiscriminated againstbecause of Continuance Plan. her weight wins the right to have her Ms Treanorwas 5ft2"tall and weighed Moran, tells TheDundalk falling fromabalconyof complaintsinvestigated by the Equality 15 stone in August2002 when she was Democratthat"the their holiday apartment Tribunal. Bernadette Treanor (49) from assessed by amedical officer forthe familyare satisfiedwith in Marbella. McArdle was Dowdallshill, Road is giventhe assurance companyfor income the clear and acquitted of murder, go-aheadbythe HighCourt to takeher continuance cover. Ms Treanorwas told unambiguous decision of however, the jury discriminationclaims againstinsurance she wasbeing acceptedinto the plan with the court". convicted him of companyEagle Star to the Equality aloading of 100 percent of the normal l Dermot and Kelly-Anne l McArdle, aged 39, Dermot McArdle in manslaughter. Tribunal. premium. Ms Treanor,who is an equality appeared before the on their wedding day court McArdle wasgiven a TheHigh Court battle between Ms officer with the EqualityAuthority, then Spanish appeal court manslaughter conviction Theformer factory two-year jail sentence, Treanor and Eagle Star arose after she made acomplaint to theEquality judges the previous week and atwo-year suspended manager from but the term was sought income continuance coverin2002 Authorityabout the alleged to ask thathis sentence be reversed. suspended. under the AHCPS(Association of Higher discrimination. Demo Sport

Wednesday March 22011 | Sports Reporters: Gavin McLaughlin |Gary McLaughlin | Phone: 042-9334058|E-mail: [email protected] |[email protected] | SNOOKER BLITZ LOUTH Kinsella Dundalk 100% record wins 2011 Ravens maintained Embassy cup Basketball in Wexford Page 73 Page 72 Pgs 94-95

Pictured at the Airtricity Foster League launch on Monday wereShamrock aiming for a Rovers’ Dan Murray and Dundalk captain Simon good start Madden. The two sides By Gavin McLaughlin will meet in the DUNDALK open their 2011 opening round of the League of Ireland campaign Airtricity League on with atelevisedtrip to reigning Friday when Dundalk champions Shamrock Rovers on visit Tallaght. Friday night. Dundalk boss Ian Foster has Picture: INPHO/Donall described the trip to Tallaght Farmer as the “toughest fixture of the season” but he has promised that his side will go out and try and impose themselves on the game. “If somebody offered me a clean sheet and a point now I’d take it but our mentality is to go and try and win the game”, he said. “It’s a great start for us.They are the champions and if I was sat here as a bookie,Ihonestly wouldn’t have a clue what to expect. Our record against them last year was fantastic but that won’t matter on Friday.I’m confident we can go there an match them. “I think if you finish above them you will win the league”, he added. “They don’t overspend but they have likefor likechanges in every position. I’m not envious of any other manager but what they are doing is signing young players on the right kind of money.” One of the younger players that Michael O’Neill has brought to Rovers is Greenore native Conor McCormack. The20-year-old signed for the champions after enduring two miserable seasons in Italy with Serie C side Triestina and he is relishing the chance to show just why he is a former Irish under- age Player of the Year. “All Iwant is afair crack of the whip –something Ididn’t have at Triestina – and I’m confident of staking my claim once I get into the side”, he said. “The set-up at Rovers is top notch and I’ve joined a club that’s on the up with afan base that’sgrowing all the time.” McCormack had initially intended to train with Dundalk but when O’Neill offered him the chance to join Rovers on their pre-season trip to Killarney he admitted it was an offer he couldn’t turn down. “My plane had just landed from Italy when my phone rang and luckily it was Michael. The trip went well and the manager offered me a contract fairly quickly.Iplan to put everything into this season and see where it takes me.Alot of quality READYTOGO players have made their name in the League of Ireland over recent seasons on their way to Lilywhites ready for opening day trip to Tallaght the top.” Foster interview: Pgs 84-85 www.dundalkdemocrat.ie Dundalk Democrat, Wednesday, February 9, 2011 79 GAA Allianz Football League Division Three -Louth vWestmeath McAuley ready to make his mark on League “Every place is up for grabs”

By Gary McLaughlin trainingishelping disappointment, but for of the season and I couldn’t do McAuley reach some, who are still trying anything, because I want to win my EVERY place in the Louth team is up his goal. to get to their peak fitness, place.” forgrabs. “You can it enabled them to get an Since the start of the year, Louth One man who knows this more come back extra week of work under manager Peter Fitzpatrick has than anyone is Eamonn McAuley. too quick, their belts. stressed the importance of his side Last year,during the Allianz Football which “I missed the start of pre- making a good start to their league League Division Three campaign, maybe season as I was ill, but I am campaign, something McAuley McAuley was a spectator, not I did glad that I have another echoed. involved in the panel. at the week to prepare for the “A good start is very important. Come summer time, after start Westmeath game”, said Youhavetostartwell because it can Fitzpatrick drafted in a number of of McAuley. be hard playing catch-up. We don’t players on trial, McAuley had not the have any easy games this year, but only forced his way into the panel, the good thing is we have a lot of but cemented his position at full- Lucky charm home games so hopefully we can get back in the starting 15. Last year, McAuley was offwith awin.” His inclusion in the team goes to being touted as a lucky show that no place is safe and that charm for the Wee County players have to work every week in assincehisChampionship No surprises order to ensure that they keep the berth, Louth went on an This year, McAuley finds himself shirts on their backs. season amazing run, only to taste lining out alongside a new look McAuley knows this himself as and my legs seized up defeat in the Leinster Louth full-back line as he is there he looks forward to his first crack at abit. Final. with Aaron and Gerard Hoey. The Allianz League football. “Against Kildare, I On the day, McAuley experience of Hoey is something “The league is a bit more close don’t think I was fully fit wasawardedwiththegong that he appreciates. knit and more physical, rather than but I needed the game for Man of the Match, but “It’s great having him beside the speed and tactics you get in the under my belt and that the events that transpired you. You feel as though you won’t Championship. It’s the same with is what players need at before that soured the be caught out if he is beside you. league and championship football this point of the season, achievement. Against Kildare, he was brilliant and with clubs. games. A win in the final would you feel a lot safer with him beside “You get used to it as it’s very “I am doing a lot of capped off a Cinderella you.” gritty, played on heavy pitches and of cardio at the story for the Na Piarsaigh ThisSaturday,McAuleyisexpecting the football is often not very fancy. moment and work in man, but it was not to be. a backlash from Westmeath after It involves a lot of ice baths, a lot of swimming pools to However, this year, being Louth dumped them out of the rubs and it’s tough on the legs.” build up my legs.” involved from the start, Leinster Championship last year. Last Sunday, he knowshow important In the league, he is also anticipating Louth’s Division it is to mark your mark that a lot of teams will be gunning Catch up Three opener early on. for Louth. Having missed the start of pre- against Westmeath “Nobody’s position in “Wehavelost the surprise package season McAuley is looking to get his was postponed as the the team is safe. Anyone element from last year, so it’s going body back on track, but like every Gaelic Grounds pitch can be called in at any to be tougher for us and people will player,heisfinding it difficult in the was waterlogged, time, as I know. That is why expect alot morefromus. conditions. making it unplayable. players have to be hard at it “Westmeath will be looking to get In Kildare, he lasted 55 minutes For most of the every week. It’s been annoying one over on us, as Kildare did, so it until he was replaced by Ronan players, it was a me lately as I was ill at the start will be tough.” Greene, but the matches and extra Fitzer could make changes to team By Gary McLaughlin games.” The team that was announced to Haggardstown venue LOUTH manager Peter Fitzpatrick face Westmeath was as follows; Sean for Westmeath game could make changes to the side he Connor; Eamonn McAuley, Aaron announcedforlastSunday’sscheduled Hoey, Gerard Hoey; Ray Finnegan, LOUTH’S Allianz League Division clash with Westmeath. Dessie Finnegan, Stephen Fitzpatrick; Three fixture against Westmeath has Fitzpatrick had announced the Paddy Keenan, Ronan Carroll; been re-scheduled for Saturday night team at training last Thursday night Derek Crilly, Mark Brennan, Andy in Haggardstown. for Sunday’s clash with Westmeath, McDonnell; Derek Maguire, Shane The game will be played under lights but after a weekend downpour, the Lennon, Adrian Reid. with throw-in pencilled for 7.30pm in game was postponed early on Sunday Subs: Neil Gallagher, JP Rooney, McGeough Park. morning. Brian Donnell, Ronan Greene,Declan It will be the second time that Instead, Fitzpatrick and his team Byrne, Paraic Smith, Jamie Carr, Louth have played in the pitch this went out to the astro-turf in Darver Padraig Rath, Liam Shevlin, Colm year as they faced Down in the venue for a light session. They trained again Judge,Darren Clarke. on January 2 in the McGeough Cup on Tuesday night and will train again Forthe game,Fitzpatrick made one game. on Thursday before the clash with change to the team that faced Kildare Last Sunday’s game against the Westmeath on Saturday night. in the final of the O’Byrne Cup as Midlanders was postponed as the With some more sessions under Andy McDonnell came in to replace pitch at the Gaelic Grounds was their belts, Fitzpatrick admitted that Brian Donnelly. unplayable after a heavy downpour there could be some changes to the Sean Connor looks like he has which came down over the weekend. starting 15 that was set to start last received the nod to start as Louth’s As a result, Louth are now playing weekend. number one this year after impressing catch up in the division as all of the “We will see what happens”, said in the final against Kildare and in the other scheduled fixtures took place. Fitzpatrick as regards to the team. “I semi-final against UCD.However,this Newly promoted Waterford did not will announce it on Thursday night.” team could change from now until get off to winning ways as they lost to Fitzpatrick said that the County Saturday,with Fitzpatrick naming the Wexford, who hit an impressive 4-11 Board did what was right on Sunday side on Thursday night. past The Déise in a 4-11 to 2-6 win at by calling off the match as the Gaelic Meanwhile, the Westmeath team Wexfordpark. Andy McDonnellwas scheduled Grounds pitch was unplayable. that was named to face Louth last Offaly, who Louth beat on the last to be back in the Louth starting “The lads were disappointed as they Sunday was as follows; Darren Quinn; day of the season in 2010, got off the 15 and Derek Crilly were ready to go, but it was the right John Gaffey, Robbie English, Kevin markwith a1-12 to 0-8 win over Cavan retained his decision in the end by the County Maguire; Francis Boyle, Kieran Gavin, in Tullamore. In the other game from Conor Jordan; Brendan Murtagh, place but Fitzpatrick could make Board. the group, Tipperary put Limerick to “It means though that we will have Denis Corroon; Conor Lynam, Denis the sword with a 0-10 to 0-6 win at changes for Saturday’sgame. three games in three Sundays and Glennon, Ger Egan; Paul Greville, Semple Stadium. that is what we want, to be playing David Glennon, Dessie Dolan. 68 Dundalk Town, Tuesday, March 15, 2011 www.dundalkdemocrat.ie GAA Leinster Senior Colleges ‘A’Football Championship Final

Teenage Dreams Heroic Dundalk side lift title for only second time 0-5, but the second half saw St Patrick’s explode UP SHES GOES: DUNDALK SCHOOLS 2-08 onto the scene,hitting five successive scores. Thenext score wascrucial and Dundalk got it. Paddy Reilly lifts More importantly, it was a goal and it wiped out the Cup for ST PATRICK’S NAVAN 0-12 the two point lead that the Pat’s built up.Conall Dundalk Schools. thought God was playing a cruel joke on them. McKeever dashed down the right hand side.As Gary It was inevitable that the ball would somehow he approached the sticks,he spotted a crowd of trickle in Breen’s net and a Louth team would be players across goal and drilled the ball across the MCLAUGHLIN robbed again. ‘keeper’spath. It found Shane Thornton at the far [email protected] Thankfully,it didn’t as the Dundalk lads held post, who just managed to avoid a square ball strong, getting in block after block, tackle after and he thrashed it into the net. THE stars of Dundalk Schools showed courage, tackle and when the ball was finally pumped From there,it was game on as Sean Thornton belief and bravery beyond their teenage years forward into the Pat’shalf,Gary McCormack blew advanced to pick out ascore for Dundalk.Thetwo as they captured the Leinster Senior Colleges A the whistle,sparking off joyous scenes in the sides traded scores with the match, beautifully Championship. stand and on the pitch. poised at 1-8 to 0-10. In what was a repeat of the 2002 final In truth, it was nothing more than deserved It was at this point when the momentum between Dundalk and St Patrick’s of Navan, for the team, even though they saved their best swung in Dundalk’s favour.McKeever played in history repeated itself as Dundalk lifted the performances for earlier in the campaign. Shane Thornton, who looked likehewas goingto historic trophy,for only the second time in their We had to wait almost ten minutes for the blast into the net for his second goal. But just as history since they amalgamated in 2000. first score as both sides poked and proded each he pulled the trigger,alast gasp challenge from But never has a Dundalk or a Louth side won otherinthe early stages before Ciaran Byrne,the Ruairi O’Coileain denied the Cooley man from atrophy amongst such drama. Played in asurreal lynchpin of Dundalk’sattack got them off the mark netting. It looked like a magnificent challenge atmosphere as Páirc Tailteann was packed with before Andrew Sharkey and Cian Doyle coolly from the press boxbut the referee saw something teenagers who chanted songs and verbals,it slotted over two points in quick succession. different and awarded a penalty.Stepping up, certainly wasatwist on any other GAA match. St Patrick’s, the favourites in the match Paddy Reilly,their captain took his time as Pat’s At the end of the game,leading by two points, were not rocked though as the veterans of the argued with the referee about his decision.With a the Louth side looked odds on to beat a Meath competition came back into it. Paddy Kennelly hit noisy and boisterous Pat’scontingent in the stand side.Hold on a second, where did we see that the post shortly after Darren McMahon blocked on his back, Reilly had a lot of pressure on his one before? Yes, shades of theLeinster Final were a certain goal from Alan Forde’s shot in the early young shoulders,but he buried the ball into the very much on display in Navan, especially as St stages. back of the net to give Dundalk a 2-8 to 0-10 Patrick’s tried to force home a last minute goal Smith opened theiraccountwith afree before lead. to win amatch. Forde,the danger man throughout for Pat’s with It was their last score as Pat’s went for broke, Every player on the Schools team would have his scintillating pace followed suit with a point all out attack. They pulled back two more scores, felt the pain from the Leinster Final last year in from play. the last seeing Smith blaze a strike over the bar some way or another.However,they were not Undeterred, Dundalk picked themselves up when he wasgoing for goal. letting it happen to them on this occasion as and slotted over the next two scores,afree from Pat’s searched valiantly for a winner,but on every player,from the ‘keeper Darren Breen to the Sharkey and a terrific solo point from Byrne,who this occasion, the Dundalk and Louth team hung substitutes that came on, put their body on the wasfinding joy in the left corner. on to deny the Meath men another late victory in line in an extraordinary manner. Smith and Dundalk captain Paddy Reilly traded aprestigious final. At times it was heroic, brave and courageous, scores before Breen made himself a hero just Scorers – DUNDALK SCHOOLS:Patrick at other times it was last ditch and pray for the before the interval. Reilly,(1-1, 1P), Shane Thornton, (1-0), best, but it worked as they held out in the end. As aforementioned, the amount of blocks and With 61 minutes on the clock, Cathal Smith, Ciaran Byrne,(0-3), Andrew Sharkey (0-2, crucial interceptions that Dundalk made on the 1f), Cian Doyle,Sean Thornton, (0-1)each. who had already hit six points,found himself day was immense,critical to their success and Conor McMenamin for R Williams (H/T), Subs: Conor Sheridan for C McGrane,Gary facing Breen in the goal on the left hand side. one of the most important was Breen’s fingertip ST PATRICK’S:Cathal Smith, (0-6, 5f), Conor Ryan for K Hearty (40mins), Robert Power for N Coughlan, Dylan Regan for P He stabbed at it and Breen got a hand to save.Lying on the ground, deceived by an earlier Alan Forde,(0-3), Conor Sheridan, Paddy Quigley for P Reilly (69mins), Aaron Murray Kennelly.Wides: DUNDALK SCHOOLS:6 put it wide for a corner.The resulting chaos that shot, the ball wasfloating over Breen’shead from Kennelly,Dylan Regan (0-1). for ASharkey (70mins). (2 first half), ST PATRICK’S:7(3 first half). ensued was heart attack stuff as three ‘45s’, one Forde’sshot. DUNDALK SCHOOLS:Darren Breen; ST PATRICKS:Robert Burlingham; Niall Bookings: DUNDALKSCHOOLS:Robert after the other resulted in a goalmouth scramble It was going into the net, that is until Breen Kieran Lenehan, Darragh Smith, Robert Coughlan, Oran Fitzpatrick, Evan Murtagh; Williams,(25mins), Kevin Hearty,(30mins), in the Dundalk box. As the ball pinged around somehow stretched his hand up and clawed like a pinball, flashbacks to Croke Park last July Williams;Sean Thornton, Darren McMahon, Ruairi O’Coileain, Fiachra McEntee,Conal Sean McAuley,(59mins). ST PATRICK’S: it away.It fell kindly to Ciaran Fitzsimons who Sean McAuley; Patrick Reilly ,James Stewart; appeared in everyones heads.For some of the blasted at an empty net, but both Paddy Reilly and Shaw; Fiachra Ward, Dean Curran; Colin Niall Coughlan (27mins), Ruairi O’Coileain Louth Senior players who were there on the Kieran Lenehan combined to thwart his effort. Kevin Hearty,Andrew Sharkey,Cian Doyle; McGrane,Alan Forde,Paddy Kennelly; Nicky (50mins), Gary Power (52mins). day,supporting family members on the panel or Dundalk took aone point lead at half time,0-6 to Ciaran Byrne,Conor Ryan,Conall McKeever. O’Brien, Cathal Smith, Ciaran Fitzsimons. REFEREE:Gary McCormack () there just to support the team, they must have Subs: Shane Thornton for C Ryan (22mins), 70 Dundalk Town, Tuesday, April 26, 2011 www.dundalkdemocrat.ie GAA Allianz Football League Division Three Final - Louth v Westmeath Croker Champs

The Louth team celebrate after lifting the Division Three title. LEFT: GAA President Christy Cooney congratulates Paddy Keenan. RIGHT: Brian McEniff celebrates with Gerry Cumiskey. BOTTOM LEFT: Peter Fitzpatrick gives the thumbs up with Louth fans and BOTTOM RIGHT: Brian McEniff watches on from the sidelines as part of the management team. Pics: Arthur Kinahan

minutes so seeing them finish the space put Louth 0-5 to 0-2 ahead, but Rooney was introduced. WESTMEATH: Paul Greville (0-6, 1f), LOUTH 1-15 job off and so strongly certainly was Westmeath cut the deficit with points Conor Lynam (0-5, 1f), Denis Glennon (0- a relief to all in red and white. from Lynam, two and one from Paul Game changer The wily veteran, who has been 2). WESTMEATH 0-13 Greville. At a crucial time, just before LOUTH: Sean Connor; Eamonn McAuley, half time, the Lake County took a used on more than one occasion this Shining light year as an impact sub certainly made Aaron Hoey, Gerard Hoey; Ray Finnegan, Those dark Sundays when Louth 0-7 to 0-6 lead as Lynam and Denis Glennon swept through the Louth his presence felt a minute after his Dessie Finnegan, Liam Shevlin; Paddy Gary lost to Offaly, Limerick and that introduction as he got his fist onto a Keenan, Brian Donnelly; Derek Crilly, Mark despairing Saturday night loss to back line to put them ahead by the MCLAUGHLIN minimum. loose ball to put it past the Westmeath Brennan, Adrian Reid; Paraic Smith, Ronan Cavan seem like they never happened defence. [email protected] now as Paddy Keenan and co got to Carroll, JP Rooney. Pace Taking it on the floor soccer style, Subs: Jamie Carr for Gerard Hoey climb the steps of Croke Park to lift Derek Maguire was introduced Rooney raced towards goal, but his LOUTH got the massive boost they the Division Three title. at half time and the Young Irelands shot lacked the venom needed to (H/T), Derek Maguire for Mark Brennan needed heading into the Leinster Yes, the trophy they would have hotshot didn’t take long to settle into beat Connaughton in the Westmeath (H/T), Stephen Fitzpatrick for Eamonn Championship as they finally got the liked to lift at Headquarters was the the game as he used his lightning goal. McAuley (53mins), JP Rooney for Paraic monkey off their backs and lifted a Delaney Cup, but enough column pace to set up the first score of the It did though have enough to make Smith (59mins). WESTMEATH: Gary trophy after prevailing in a final. inches have been given to that. second half as he lashed the ball over Connaughton spill it into the running Connaughton; Francis Boyle, Kieran Gavin, With five minutes left on the Although it was not the Leinster the bar. path of Ronan Carroll who tapped it John Gaffey; Ger Egan, Aidan Finnan, Doran clock, Louth led by two points. It was crown, claiming this piece of Harte; Brendan Murtagh, Denis Corcoran; ominous and the tension palpable silverware has all but put that to bed because of the events of last summer. now. MAN OF THE MATCH Paul Sharry, David Glennon, Conor Lynam; But this Louth team have seemingly Making a number of changes from Paul Greville, James Dolan, Denis Glennon. learned their lesson the hard way and the Waterford game, Fitzpatrick Subs: Kevin Maguire for John Gaffey came through in the end. Not only brought Sean Connor, Paraic Smith, DEREK CRILLY (52mins), Kieran Martin for Aidan Finnan did they hang on, but they pushed on, Andy McDonnell and Paraic Smith THE Dundalk Gaels man was given a tough task and asked (52mins), Simon Quinn for Doran Harte kicking three points in the last three back into the starting 15. to play as an extra defender on the day, a position he has (64mins), Michael Curley for Paul Sharry minutes to put the game beyond Thankfully on this occasion, the (66mins). Westmeath. changes worked as Louth clicked made his own during Louth’s campaign. Composed and from the outset, taking advantage of disciplined, Crilly never veered off course from the game Wides – LOUTH: 12 (7 first half), In their last three competitive finals, WESTMEATH: 8 (4 first half). two O’Byrne Cup deciders against the wide surface at Croker. plan. He was unlucky not to be awarded the TG4 Man of UCD and Kildare Terrific hits from midfielder Brian Bookings – LOUTH: Paddy Keenan and of course Donnelly and marauding half-back the Match gong in Croker, as it went to Paddy Keenan. (44mins), Ray Finnegan (56mins), Stephen the Leinster Liam Shevlin eased Louth’s nerves in Fitzpatrick (72mins), Adrian Reid (74mins). Final from last the early going with a Conor Lynam Lynam and Glennon added further into an empty net to put Louth 1- WESTMEATH: Ger Egan (61mins). year, Louth point sandwiched in between them. scores to put Westmeath 0-11 to - 11 to 0-12 ahead with ten minutes REFEREE: Rory Hickey (Clare). surrendered 8 ahead, but showing a new found remaining. the trophies Extra man maturity, Louth rallied and launched all in the Derek Crilly, who had an excellent Darkness game filling in as an extra defender a comeback, keeping Westmeath last five scoreless for the next ten minutes. At this stage Croke Park was in fed Ronan Carroll in for his first point virtual darkness as someone forgot and Louth’s third as the Mary’s man, In that time, inspired once again by captain marvel, Paddy Keenan, the to turn the floodlights on, making cleverly deployed at full-forward the task that little bit harder for the in the absense of Shane Lennon, Wee County stood up and brought their A-game. Smith got his score players. found the target. As the Louth supporters who Lynam responded as he after some frustrating moments in front of goal, before Keenan popped travelled started to bite down on their got the better of Aaron nails, Keenan with a free and a score Hoey, an intriguing up on the right hand side to finish a patient build-up. from play eased their nerves. tussle that lasted the And when Ray Finnegan and entire 70 minutes, Paddy power Maguire slotted over late scores it but Louth replied Clenching his fist to spur his finally ended a run of losing finals through Carroll teammates on, the captain’s image for Peter Fitzpatrick’s team and gave again. on the big screen at Croker depicted them the spring in their step that they Paraic Smith then everything about Louth’s campaign needed before taking another crack had a glorious chance this year as he has led from the front at the Leinster Championship again to net but his goal on many occasions. this year, starting with a tricky test bound effort was On Saturday night though, the against Carlow on June 12. blocked by Francis players around him banded together Scorers – LOUTH: Ronan Carroll Boyle, a let-off for and took the game by the scruff of the Westmeath. (1-2), Paddy Keenan (0-3, 1f) Derek neck. Donnelly, under pressure hit Maguire (0-2), Brian Donnelly (0- Adrian Reid’s a beautiful free from the floor on 55 delicious score minutes to take Louth level, but the 2, 1f), Liam Shevlin, Adrian Reid, from distance after next score, from Greville put them Andy McDonnell, Paraic Smith, Ray Keenan found him in behind once again, that is until JP Finnegan, all (0-1). www.dundalkdemocrat.ie Dundalk Town, Tuesday, April 26, 2011 71 GAA Allianz Football League Division Three Final - Louth v Westmeath Paddy glows in the dark Baby joy for scorer Carroll By Gary McLaughlin By Gary McLaughlin poacher’s instinct in him made him LOUTH Captain Paddy follow JP Rooney’s shot. Keenan admitted that his AFTER bagging the all important goal “I followed it in by chance. I saw JP team found it hard to see that helped Louth clinch the Division lining it up and I don’t know, maybe it’s during the second half in Three title, goalscorer Ronan Carroll the poacher’s instinct incase the ‘keeper Croke Park as someone dedicated the decisive strike to a special spills it or lets it falls. Nine times out inside Headquarters forgot little someone. of ten the ‘keeper catches that but you to turn on the floodlights. Midweek, Carroll welcomed his son have to be there and take the risk and it Only at the end, when into the world as little Conor was born. worked out.” the presentation was being But before dashing home to his child, Looking onto the Carlow game on made by President Christy Carroll dedicated the strike to the tot. June 12, the Louth frontman, who also Cooney to Keenan did the “I would like to dedicate that to my scored against Waterford to help Louth lights go on, but during baby son”, said the Mary’s man. seal promotion, thinks that now is the the second half, the 30 “He was born during the week, seven time to set the standards again in this players on the pitch found weeks premature. It was hard over the year’s Leinster Championship. themselves in darkness. last couple of weeks getting to training “I know everyone is feeling the hurt Although it did not but it felt good (getting that) for him.” from last year, but you have to put it matter for Louth in the Another thing that felt good, not only out of your head. Hopefully this win will end as they won the title, for Carroll but the entire squad was wash all those memories away and we Keenan was bemused with finally winning a trophy as experiencing kick on from this now.” it. cup final heartache three times in the “I think we have something to prove. “I don’t know what was past two years. Last year didn’t go to plan, things did the point of them putting “We’ve lost a lot of finals over the last not work out. We are going to have to the lights on when the couple of years so it is good to get back set the standards high and reach for that game was over because and get one in the bag. again, reach Croke Park again, reach the there was a whole second “It was great to see such a comeback in Leinster Final and try to win it.” half there when it was the second half. Maybe it’s not the main If Louth overcome Carlow, they could dark”, said the Louth objection of the year. Getting promoted possibly meet Westmeath in a repeat of captain. to Division Two was one of the main last year’s semi-final He then joked: “I’ve bad aims, we did that and this was a bonus. “If you go by the bookies, they say we enough eye sight at the “So now we are going to have to work are odds on to meet Westmeath in the best of times without it hard and prepare ourselves for the semi-final but they will be working hard, Ronan Carroll evades the challenge of Francis Boyle being dark. Championship and do all we can.” so will we. Maybe we will have to mix Derek Maguire coming on to help us places over the next few weeks and I’d “It was very dark. If we Speaking of the goal, Carroll, who things up. You saw there, we have a great were training in that we was deployed as a full-forward said the squad. It was good to see JP Rooney and when we really needed it. There’s going say training will be as hard as any game to be an awful lot of competition for we played all year.” would be complaining to get the lights on so I don’t know what the decision was with it.” However, the captain Leinster Final now was delighted to win a trophy after a topsy turvy league campaign. put to bed, says Fitzer “We are delighted By Gary McLaughlin to win it. It’s not the Championship, but it’s LOUTH boss Peter Fitzpatrick has said another step for us to try that winning the Division Three title has and get more success in exorcised the demons of the Leinster the Championship and we Final. will take it. Fitzpatrick, like the rest of the team “It’s a training ground are trying to forget the events of last year really. We weren’t brilliant as they move on and after winning the in the league but we league title on Saturday, Fitzpatrick was finished the last two keen to ask people to move on. games very strongly. We “From now on, what happened last finished most games well year in the Leinster Final is over and in the league. done with now”, said the manager. “Hopefully we will push “Today was as good as winning any on.” Leinster title as it’s always nice to come Once more the Louth to Croke Park, especially the Wee County captain insisted that his and win the title. I’m delighted.” side are moving on from The boss did express his concern last year and that this win coming into the last ten minutes a point perhaps puts July 11 of last down as he thought his side were about year to bed. to agonisingly lose another final. “We’re trying to move on “The best thing was, with ten minutes to be honest. For a couple to go we were a point behind I said to of years there, we had a bit myself, please don’t let this happen of bad luck, maybe with again. the bounce of a ball and “But this Louth team are something. we need all the help we can We lost the three lads to Australia, we get. We are a small county. lost Shane Lennon and a few others, but We need every bouncing this team never gave up. And we have ball that can go with us. We the best supporters in the country. In the will put the work in and we last ten minutes, they were like an extra need every bit of luck we man.” Ray Finnegan in possession can get with us.” In the last ten minutes, Louth got Keenan also admitted the points when they really mattered but our main focus was concentrating on that after losing three showing a sign of maturity and growth, June 12 and we gave four subs a run out games in a row, the team something Fitzer was delighted with. so we got lads some games. kept their heads down and “The team kept going and going. “It’s the place to be and everyone worked hard to turn things We said that no matter what the score wants to play in Croke Park.” around. was in the ten minutes, we would keep Fitzer also lauded the performance of “In the games we lost, attacking and attacking and I think it was his side over a stressful league campaign we lost three in a trot there some of the best football that I’ve seen where they bounced back after losing and the heads might have Louth play, scoring five or six without John O’Brien, Brian White and Mick gone but even the ones reply.” Fanning to Australia. we lost, we finished the Along with this, the manager was also “The three boys going to Australia was stronger team as well. personally relieved to get the monkey off a massive loss for us and I hope we get “We put the head down, his back after losing three finals. them back for Division Two next year. we never gave out, we “The good thing was they held But the thing is, whatever cards you are never complained as a possession, they looked up, the support dealt are the cards you have. We did not team. We kept working play was fantastic and it was the longest whinge or cry. on it. If you keep working two minutes of injury time ever. I knew “We lost three games in a row, but we at it and keep the head at we were five points up, but my luck in plugged on. We never once criticised the it, it will eventually come the last 18 months, losing three finals, it team because every player goes out to around unless you are a gets the monkey off my back. give their best for the team. I think what very unlucky team so we “The big plus was coming into the we got today was our just rewards. are delighted that we kept game, we knew we were in Division Two “The team, the management team at it. next year. I think we will have to start and County Board all worked as a “We finally made the strengthening the panel we have at the combination together. People talk about breakthrough. After the moment. It’s always nice to come to Division Three but it’s a big thing for TOP: Young Louth supporters enjoying their night out in Croke Park as Louth Waterford game, we Croke Park and win a trophy. Louth to get into Division Two as we are captured the Division Three title. ABOVE: Fans waiting to congratulate Paddy got the luck we needed “Today was a dress rehearsal for June delighted and are in the top 16 teams in Keenan and the Louth team as they made their way down the presentation with results and today 12 against Carlow. Don’t get me wrong, the country but all I looking forward to steps at Croke Park after lifting the Division Three trophy. (Saturday) we got a lucky it’s fantastic to win the Division Three title is June 12.” goal so we will take it.” www.dundalkdemocrat.ie Dundalk Town, Tuesday, May 10, 2011 39 C’MON THETOWN! 2011 SETANTA SPORTS CUP FINAL

DUNDALK F.C. VS SHAMROCK ROVERS MAY 14TH 2011 TALLAGHT STADIUM KO: 6.15PM 66 Dundalk Town, Tuesday, March 22, 2011 www.dundalkdemocrat.ie Mixed Martial Arts Fight Pit 2 Fight Pit star emerges Viktoras in main event on and spent considerable time Gary trying to clasp on a rear-naked choke. His efforts came to nothing though MCLAUGHLIN as Blaszke kept his composure, [email protected] manoeuvring out of Viktoras’ clutches. LOCAL MMA fans were treated to a Again he ended the round on a high, stunning main event at Fight Pit 2. taking David’s back and delivering a The event, run by a mixed-martial- series of punches to the head. arts gym, Fight Pit, was a runaway The third and final round had the success with over 600 people in entire crowd on their feet as the action attendance on the night. reached boiling point, with both With an action packed card, all fighters going for the finish. Blaszke eyes were on the main event, a PRO spend the majority of the round B clash between Fight Pit member trying to evade Viktoras’ triangle Viktoras and David Blaszke of Kildare choke/armbar attempt, but did so based outfit Husaria Fight Team. in devastating fashion delivering a Any hardcore fight fans, who number of downward punches in the were staying up late that night for direction of Blaszke. the titanic clash between Maurico As the bell sounded, a wild cheer ‘Shogun’ Rua and Jon ‘Bones’ Jones at reverberated around Oriel Park. In UFC 128 were not left disappointed as the end, it was the hand of Viktoras the main event of Fight Pit 2 certainly which was raised, ending the night whetted the appetite. with a local winner. The 77kgs contest was by far the stand out fight on the night as it went Mixed results to the judges for a decision following However, it was a mixed night 12 minutes of exhilarating action. of results for other locally based In the end, the decision, a fighters. unanimous one went to Viktoras, Teenage sensation Chris Mulligan, which was greeted with a large cheer a 16-year-old was unlucky as he was from the strong Dundalk crowd. caught with an armbar against Robert It could have gone differently Morrison as the Antrim fighters took though as all three rounds were the win. tight and open for decision. After a Fight Pit’s next competitor out was tentative two minutes of Brazilian David Ziggy, another 16-year-old, but jiu-jitsu grappling, Viktoras applied In an Old C Class match-up, Benny one who has amassed a 3-0 win streak. Fagan, another Dundalk fighter made a guillotine choke in round one and Ziggy’s opponent was Luke Caffrey, looked en route to victory only for his debut, where he lost via TKO after who took the fight on one day’s notice, taking three knees to the midsection David to escape it. Blaszke finished but in a belting match-up, packed the round strongly, ending the round and head. with striking combinations and BJJ The first round was pretty tight, but with a barrage of punches whilst battles, Caffrey managed to take the Viktoras was on his back. Fagan’s opponent Chris McAlonon decision as the judges opted for him, showed superior striking skills, Round two was edged slightly by despite a strong showing by Ziggy. Viktoras who got David’s back early wounding Fagan’s nose early on. Credit though to Fagan, he carried on despite the emergence of blood after being tagged with a series of combinations early on. One thing that was working well for Fagan was his clinch, where he was getting some good knees to McAlonon’s body. Fagan battle Fagan was then taken to the canvas by McAlonon, who lost his position. Had the round of gone on longer than the three minutes, Fagan could have prevailed as he looked seconds away from locking in an armbar. The second round started with a series of clinches before Fagan was rocked with two vicious knees to the temple, before slumping to the canvas after a third, giving McAlonon the win after 1:28 in round two. Christopher Menary was scheduled to fight Kieran Lee of Lucan MMA, TOP: David Ziggy throws a poweful right hand at Luke Caffrey. ABOVE: but Lee pulled out before the event, Philip O’Rourke with Fight Pit Muay Thai trainer Brian Gallagher. LEFT: meaning the next Fight Pit competitor was Damian Dowling, who had a night Joe Fray catches O’Rourke with an amazing Judo throw. Thanks to MMA to forget against Rafal Dziudziela in Kaptured for photos. their 80kgs bout. the influx of strikes, the referee called his downfall as Erenbergs was a Lasting just under a minute, a stop to the bout just over the minute BJJ specialist. At home on the mat, Dowling was quickly caught in a mark as the Dundalk man made no Erenbergs made quick work of Rice, variation of a body triangle where he attempts to to counter, escape the submitting him with a nasty arm bar tapped out, but credit to Dowling for mount or flip his opponent. He did after 1.46minutes in round one. getting into the cage against a tough secure Fray’s shoulders with his legs, Fight Pit Promoter Niall McCabe opponent like Dziudziela. but sensing victory, Fray brushed was delighted with how the card Philip O’Rourke was next as he them off and continued his ground ‘n’ went, thanking all the other clubs faced Joe Fray of IFS. pound until the bout was stopped. If it who provided fighters and helped wasn’t for Fray’s amazing Judo throw, out on the night, along with Oriel Stunning Judo throw this fight could have been a different Park for the venue. Speaking after the O’Rourke, who went in with a 1-1 story altogether as it certainly caught card, he said: “I would like to thank record was surprised early in the fight O’Rourke off-guard. all the clubs and Oriel Park, who when Fray caught him with a terrific, without them this event would not hard Judo throw, that differentiated One mistake have happened. from the usual single or double leg In the co-main event, Fight Pit’s “It was great for the people of takedown that is so often on display. Stephen Rice fought Vilmar’s ‘The Dundalk to see an event like this can It was a masterstroke by Fray and Animal’ Erenbergs. Rice, who was 1- be done at a local level.” Speaking he capitalised quickly, mounting 1 made a cardinal error in the fight, on the main event, which delivered O’Rourke and from there, he something he will learn from in his on action, he said: “The main event pummelled the Fight Pit fighter. MMA career. Rice, who was described certainly lived up to it’s billing, it was Despite the fact that O’Rourke was as a brawler took Erenbergs to the a brilliant last fight for people.” covering his face and trying to defend mat after 30 seconds. It was to be Wednesday, 7th July, 2010 DUNDALK DEMOCRAT Sport / 45 OneOne winwin aawawayy frfromom immorimmorttalialityty LOUTH V MEATH Leinster Senior Football Championship Final Guide 2010 Sunday, July 11 - Croke Park - 2pm