Punters’ Bar on Park Street will hold a charity greyhound derby night this Friday in aid of the Make A Wish Foundation.

The first race gets underway at 9.30pm. There will be six semi-final races and a final on the night and you can buy your own charity dog for €10 from behind the bar.

If your dog wins a semi-final it goes into the final.

Prize money for the final is €100 for first place, €50 for second, €30 for third and €20 for a beaten finalist.

There will also be light refreshments served on the night, as well as a bookie in house take your bets.

Louth is the seventh most expensive county in Ireland to rent a property in.

That’s according to new figures from the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), which show that the average monthly rent in the Wee County last year was €628.

That was a €14 (2.3%) increase on 2013 but is still more than a fifth behind the €800 a month average from 2008 – an annual saving of €2,064.

According to figures for the county, there were “above-average increases” recorded in Drogheda and Louth Village, while Dundalk and Ardee both saw increases of 1.5%.

The performance of detached homes in the county was stronger with rents up almost 4% or €27 per month to €576. However, the average rent for both semi- detached houses and apartments were below the 2.3% average for all property types.

Drogheda – because of its proximity to Dublin – commands the highest rents in Louth with average monthly rent up €21 last year to €657. Rents for detached houses in the town jumped by almost 5% to €780. Apartments in Drogheda were up 3.3% to €612.

Apartments were less in vogue in Dundalk where average rents fell by 1.5% to €562 although rents for other property types in the town recorded growth of around 2%.

Dundalk Library

The Louth County Library in Dundalk is hosting a workshop on Wednesday April 29^th at 11am entitled ’15 Steps to Create A Winning CV’

Anyone who would like to attend can book their place by contacting the library on 042 9353190.

The new staff of Russell’s pictured on their opening night last night

The renovated and rejuvenated Russell’s Saloon opened its doors last night.

The pub at 28 Park Street, also known as the Bus Stop Bar, had been closed in recent years but has been reopened and redesigned by Greg Gormley, who is well known in the local pub game from running The Castle Bar in Seatown.

Greg’s father Noel also operated Gormley’s pub, now The Punters, in Park Street for a number of years.

Russell’s Tavern first opened as a bar in 1907 and has been a constant on Park Street since then, having also operated as a travel agency for some years. Indeed, its clock – which is now back working – still remains one of the most prominent features on the street.

Be sure to pop in and check it out next time you’re out for a few drinks!

The Louth Land League will hold a day centre every Monday and Thursday in the Redeemer Family Resource Centre in Dundalk.

The group, who also hold clinics on the same days in the Rathmullen Community House in Drogheda, provide free assistance to anyone in danger of losing their home to repossession.

Both centres are open from 11am to 2pm with further details available by contacting 089 4740811.

Dundalk IT received almost €20 million in funding for the Higher Education Authority last year.

The figure was revealed following a parliamentary question from Deputy John Halligan TD to the Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan.

She revealed that €19,981,757 in funding went to Dundalk IT last year. UCD received the most at €113.8m, followed by Trinity College, which received €89.5m.

Dublin IT received the most for an IT at €84.4m, with Cork IT, Waterford IT, Sligo IT, Limerick IT and Galway-Mayo IT amongst the ITs to receive more than Dundalk.

Paddy Hamilton of Slieve Gullion Runners was the convincing winner of last night’s Dundalk 10k.

He finished in a time of 31:31, more than a minute ahead of runner-up Brian McCluskey of North East Runners, who crossed the line in a time of 32:35.

In third place was Glenmore AC’s Shane Toner in a time of 33:10.

Anna-Marie Costello was the first lady home in a time of 39:14, pipping last year’s winner Donna Evans, who finished in 40:11. Karen Costello of Dunleer AC was the third female finisher in a time of 41:10.

In total 549 people entered the race, which started and finished at Dundalk IT. The full list of results can be found here.

Ciara Breen has been missing since February 1997

Gardaí insist there are no other suspects in the case of the disappearance of Dundalk teenager Ciara Breen 18 years ago.

A man in his 50s was arrested earlier this week in connection with the then 17-year-old’s disappearance after leaving her home in Batchelor’s Walk in February 1997.

The man was detained in Dundalk and taken to Drogheda Garda Station for questioning but was later released without charge. A file on the matter will be sent to the DPP.

However, a Garda source told LMFM this morning that they are not looking for anybody else in connection with Ciara’s disappearance.

The Yes Equality bus will be arriving in Dundalk later today.

The bus is travelling around the country to promote a yes vote in the forthcoming marriage equality referendum on May 22^nd.

It will be in the Market Square from 3pm to 5pm, where badges and flyers will be handed out.

You are invited along on the day to find out more about the campaign.

Williamson’s Mall in Dundalk sold at auction earlier today for €1,175,000.

The retail units, which front onto Francis Street and the Ramparts, went under the hammer at the Allsop auction in the RDS and included the sale of 23 and 8 Francis Street.

The shopping centre development is believed to have been bought by a person from the area, having sold for significantly more than its €670,000 – €730,000 reserve.

The property is arranged across two land holdings, the first main holding is Williamson’s Mall, which comprises a series of retail buildings arranged over ground and part first floors together with a surface car park

The initial retail frontage leads on to a series of warehouse units surrounding the perimeter of the car park. The units have been configured to provide retail accommodation. Incorporated within the built area is 8 Francis Street which provides 10 derelict flats.

Williamson’s Mall

The overall site benefits from approximately 27m of frontage to Francis Street together with a further approximate 73m of frontage to Ramparts Lane.

The second holding comprises a retail building (23 Francis Street) arranged over ground and first floors, situated to the northern side of the road directly opposite to Williamson’s Mall. The total site area is approximately 0.66 hectares (1.64 acres) with the selling agents reporting that the Mall is currently generating €152,000 a year from 20 of its 24 retail units.

Conditional planning permission is also in place until December 2019 for the construction of a mixed use development on the site, known as Cathedral Walk. This was to comprise of two buildings, ranging in height from two to six storeys with a new pedestrian link and civic plaza connecting from the Ramparts Road via the pedestrian link to Francis Street.

Cathedral Walk was envisaged by Mall owners Ampezzano Ltd (now in receivership) as having retail, office and residential accommodation. They also proposed to reopen the Ramparts River over the length of the Ramparts Road fronting the development, with pedestrian and vehicular bridges across the river.

The development was to include a multi storey car park, valet area, service yard, retail units, cafe/bars, hot food take away, off license, amusement arcade, taxi/hackney office, bookmakers, offices, financial / professional services, restaurants and 43 apartments.

Meanwhile the Francis Street portion of the development was to be a five storey retail and office building with c.3,500 sq ft of retail space at ground and first floor level, with c.10,000sq ft of office space above.

The original plan was seen as important in linking the Marshes Shopping Centre with the rest of the town but a lack of funding meant that the project never proceeded beyond the planning stages.

Now though the plan may yet come to fruition following its sale.

An artist’s impression of Cathedral Walk

Louth hurlers will face a tricky trip to face Armagh in the opening round of the Nicky Rackard Cup on Saturday May 2^nd.

A victory in that game would put the Wee County into the semi-finals, while a defeat would leave them in the quarter-finals where they would most likely have a home tie.

The first round fixture in full are: Monaghan v Longford, Donegal v Tyrone, Fingal v Roscommon, Armagh v Louth

Stephen Kenny

Dundalk FC manager Stephen Kenny has signed a new contract at the club

The one year deal will see the 43-year-old remain on as boss until the end of the 2016 season.

Kenny became manager the club in November 2012 and has enjoyed unprecedented success with the Lilywhites which has included winning the EA Sports Cup in 2014 and the SSE Airtricity League title which was the clubs first in 19 years.

He recently celebrated his 100^th match in charge with his two-thirds win rate the best of any Dundalk manager in their first 100 games.

Speaking to dundalkfc.com after putting pen-to-paper, the manager was thrilled at signing the new deal and reflected on the ‘journey’ that the club have gone on during his reign.

“We made an agreement at the end of the season but I just put pen-to-paper this week. So this wasn’t something we decided in the last few days but I am delighted to be staying on until the end of 2016.

“It has been a tremendous journey the club have embarked on in the last few years and it has been great to be part of. We were bottom of the league and had a completely new group go from where we were to league champions and to win trophies. It has been great for all involved.”

Kenny turned his attention to the future and believes now that the big challenge now is to maintain the level the club has been at and praised the ‘high work ethic’ which exists around the club.

“The big challenge now is to keep that going. It has been 20 years since Dundalk were consistently in the top 4, 20 years since Dermot Keely won the league here and it has been that long since Dundalk were an established club. That’s the challenge we face now.

“We want to mount a defence of our title and we look forward to Europe as well.

“There’s a great hunger among everyone at the club. The work ethic of my technical staff and by everyone behind the scenes has been terrific and a vital part of our success. They have been fantastic to work with through this time. To have the club compete and grow with the perceived bigger clubs is a credit to everyone at the club.”

The former Derry City manager went on to speak about the Dundalk support and praised the ‘passionate support’ that has got behind the team and had a special word of praise for the players he has had at the club.

“It has been great to see the club grow. The crowd have been terrific since I have come in here and they have grown through the time. They have been so passionate and really got behind the team which has been a huge help.

“It’s great to see the huge crowds come to Oriel Park and see them with such passion.

“Last season winning the EA Sports Cup was for 90% of the players their first trophy. The league title for the majority again was their first and it has given them the hunger for more. They want to get better. They want to improve and better themselves.

“The players are developing all the time and they are on an upward curve and it’s great for them all. Since I have come in the players have been brilliant for me.”

The Dublin native didn’t lose sight of the next game and went on to speak about the match against Cork City tomorrow evening at Turner’s Cross and is expecting a tough test on Leeside however feels that the nature of the occasion will suit his players.

“We go to Cork tomorrow and we are all looking forward to it. It’s a big test for us. It’s going to bbe a sellout which is great for Irish football. It’s going to be  a great occasion with the top 2 on television and the games you want to be involved in.

“Cork City probably have the biggest squad in the league and have a very good team.

“From our point of view, we are looking forward to the trip and the players are in really good form. The players enjoy the big occasion. I think the small crowd in Limerick a few weeks ago didn’t help us. We like the bigger crowds, the bigger occasion and the players really thrive on that. The big games seem to suit our players, really brings the best out in them.

“We go there in good form and we will go there with confidence that we can keep our good form going.”

Dundalk FC have confirmed that they will be inviting the 1995 league-winning team back to Oriel Park in the coming weeks for a special function marking their achievement.

It was this day 20 years ago – April 23^rd 1995 – that the Lilywhites claimed their ninth Premier Division title in dramatic fashion, beating Galway Utd at Oriel Park while Derry City slipped up away to Athlone Town.

Memories of that famous day in the club’s history can be found on the Dundalk FC website.

Picture courtesy of Dundalk FC

The car alight last night

A car was burnt out on the Armagh Road outside Dundalk last night.

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances and have asked anyone with information on the vehicle to contact them at Dundalk Garda Station on 042 9335577.

An artist’s impression of the new school

Plans to build a new post primary school in the centre of Dundalk moved a step closer yesterday after the news emerged that Louth County Council had secured a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the final parcel of land required to build the school.

The proposed Coláiste Chú Chulainn school will be located opposite the Marshes Shopping Centre and will accommodate 1,000 students when fully operational.

The news was welcomed by Sinn Féin councillor Tomás Sharkey, who visited the site yesterday along with other council officials.

He said: “”Coláiste Chú Chulainn includes the gaelcholáiste Coláiste Lú and operates from Chapel Street in Dundalk. It is due to accommodate 1000 students. A site has been earmarked at The Marshes but there have been problems acquiring the site.

“This week Louth Meath Education and Training Board members visited the site at my request. Two hours before that meeting we received word that Louth County Council are now permitted to CPO the last bit of needed land. This is  mega news for the current and future school community.

“It will take some months to complete the process but building should start in a few months. The project will bring €10 million of construction work to Dundalk and when it’s complete there will be a lot of teaching and support staff jobs. The community will be relieved to see a vacant site developed and the illegal dumping problem resolved.

“I want to congratulate the management of the LMETB and former County Louth VEC but want to pay tribute to former board members such as the late Eamonn Kinch who supported my initial proposal to establish Coláiste Lú and hence apply for the patronage of this new school.”

An artist’s impression of Coláiste Chú Chulainn

Dr Pearse Lyons

US firm Alltech, which was founded by Dundalk native Pearse Lyons, has agreed to pay almost €400m to buy a Minnesota-based animal nutrition firm.

Alltech, which has interests ranging from animal nutrition, to beer and whiskey, will acquire Ridley in what Mr Lyons described as a “transformative transaction”.

Ridley is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Founded in 1980 in Lexington, Kentucky, by Mr Lyons, Alltech has evolved into a business generating $1bn (€900m) a year in sales. Mr Lyons previously worked for Irish Distillers before moving to the United States. He has estimated that the Alltech business is now worth $3bn (€2.7bn).

“This transformative transaction that combines two industry leaders allows Alltech to deliver better performance and value to livestock and poultry producers across the globe,” said Mr Lyons, who indicated earlier this year that he was looking at possible acquisitions or joint ventures to grow the business.

Ridley is one of the largest commercial animal nutrition businesses in North America and its clients include livestock producers as well as equine and pet breeders. Since 1994, it has grown substantially in the US and Canada, through the acquisition of a number of animal nutrition businesses. It also has operations in Kentucky.

Alltech is paying a 23pc premium to Ridley’s average closing share price over the last 20 days.

In its last financial year, Ridley generated revenue of $568.7m (€526m) and recorded adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of $39.3m (€36.3m).

Mr Lyons said that Alltech will be able to bring its advanced nutrition technology to market “faster and more effectively” following the acquisition of Ridley.

“This combination creates a new model to deliver superior animal nutrition and tailored feeding programs supported by robust scientific research and data analytics,” he said. “This deal underscores our continued momentum in growing our business through strategic acquisitions of best-in-class companies with trusted technology and brand recognition.”

The combined company will have a presence in over 128 countries and 4,200 employees worldwide.

Alltech is wholly owned by Mr Lyons and his family and he has previously indicated that he has no intention of diluting their control over the business, despite approaches being made to buy the company.

He qualified as a biochemist from UCD before doing a PhD in Birmingham, and has retained very strong ties with Ireland.

Alltech has established a whiskey distillery in Co Carlow, and the company has been planning to build another distillery in Dublin. Last year, the company bought a disused church opposite the Guinness Hops Store, which it intends to spend €5m on to convert it to a distillery.

Alltech has also held a craft brewing festival in Dublin.

Dundalk Rugby Club will play arguably the most important game in their history tomorrow when they travel to Kilternan in Dublin to take on De La Salle Palmerston in the All-Ireland League promotion/relegation play-off.

A victory for the Mill Road side will see them play senior rugby for the first time in their history.

Dundalk completed their Ulster Bank League Round Robin campaign with a 48-28 victory over Connemara in Clifden last weekend.

Following earlier wins away to Instonians and at home against Clonmel, Dundalk travelled west knowing that a win of any hue would deliver the Round Robin title and a shot at achieving AIL status.

And they were quickly off the mark racking up four tries through flanker James McConnon, out-half Jonathan Williams, winger Ultan Murphy and lock Mike Bentley to ensure the bonus point before the break as they established a 26-13 half-time advantage.

While the hosts managed three tries, Dundalk kept them comfortably at arm’s length. Full-back Stephen McGee, winger Owen McNally and Williams with his second, all touched down in the second half to set up the biggest day in the club’s history tomorrow.

Back in the 1980’s they came close to winning the old J1 League which would have seen them promoted to senior status and they were also the first winners of the Leinster League in 1994/95 but that was a year before the pathway to the AIL was created.

On the flip side De La Salle Palmerston are a well-established club with a proud history in the AIL, including briefly playing in Division 1 back in 1998/99 but tomorrow they are fighting for their senior survival and a tremendous battle is in prospect.

A number of buses are going to the game on the Glenamuck Road on Saturday and anyone who would like to attend should call 087 2795429 to book their seat.

The old Garda Barracks and Half Door Restaurant

The old Garda Barracks at Dromad is set to be demolished as part of a plan to open a new café, deli and shop close to Junction 20 of the N1 at Carrickarnon.

The old barracks was one of the busiest stations in the country during the Troubles, with the road fronting it – now by-passed by the N1 – one of the main routes across the border.

Now though Kieran Byrne has secured conditional planning permission from Louth County Council to demolish the Half Door Restaurant and and replace it with an extension to an existing building to form a café, deli and shop.

The old barracks will also be demolished as part of the plans to form an additional vehicular access point.

Also as part of the plans an existing diesel pump will be relocated and an additional single sided diesel pump added, as well as two 40,000 litre underground fuel storage tanks.

An existing store/workship will also be partly converted to form an office.

Students and teachers from St Joseph’s National School in Muirhevnamor visited Leinster House yesterday.

They were greeted on the day by local Senator Mary Moran, who said: “I was delighted to welcome students and teachers for a tour of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

“I was also delighted to be able to afford the students the opportunity to address Oireachtas colleagues following a recent debate competition.  The students’ knowledge and preparation was very impressive.  I would like to commend the students and teachers involved on their hard work.”

On Wednesday Senator Moran was one of a number of local representatives who took part in the Job Shadow Day 2015, which seen Louth natives Conor McIntyre and Maria McCabe shadow her around Leinster House for the day.

The Dorothy Perkins/Burton store in the Marshes will be converted into a H&M this summer

Plans to expand the existing Dorothy Perkins/Burton store in the Marshes Shopping Centre have been given the go ahead.

Cavalli Investments Plc have secured conditional planning permission from Louth County Council to carry out an internal reconfiguration and expansion of Units 2/3 at the centre.

This will be to accommodate a new H&M store in the centre when Dorothy Perkins and Burton close next month.

The changes involve the increase of the mezzanine floor area from 160sqm to 785sqm, resulting in an overall unit of 1,575sqm gross floor area.

A mezzanine level was previously granted planning permission in 2006 and will be implemented in the new H&M.