Dundalk Leader

Louth County Council and Friends of Ardee Bog Agree on Collaborative Way Forward for N52 Ardee Bypass

Following constructive discussions, Louth County Council and Friends of Ardee Bog today announced a collaborative way forward for the N52 Ardee Bypass.

The agreement recognises and protects Ardee Bog, while Friends of Ardee Bog will withdraw their Supreme Court case, bringing the long-running legal dispute over the project to an end.

The Council will seek approval from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to recommence the project and progress to the next stage, with a view to realising this much-needed piece of road infrastructure for the town of Ardee in the short term, while continuing to engage with the Friends of Ardee Bog on measures to promote and safeguard the ecological importance of peatland in the area.

This outcome reflects a shared recognition that Ardee urgently needs relief from traffic congestion and heavy through-traffic, together with a shared commitment to protecting the local environment. The proposed bypass has the potential to improve road safety, reduce congestion in the town centre, enhance quality of life for residents and support the sustainable economic development of Ardee and the wider region.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Friends of Ardee Bog welcomes the partnership approach that has led to this positive outcome. We believe it is possible to address Ardee’s transport needs while also securing meaningful recognition and protection for the bog. We look forward to continuing to work with the Council so that environmental stewardship remains central as the project develops.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “This is a very positive day for Ardee. The bypass is vital to improving safety, easing congestion and enabling the town to grow and prosper.

“Louth County Council recognise the sincere intentions of Friends of the Ardee Bog, and I commend all for entering into constructive dialogue and reaching an outcome that balances the needs of the community with respect for our environment. We will now work to complete the bypass as soon as possible with our partners in the project, TII.”

Both Friends of Ardee Bog and Louth County Council said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of these collaborative and constructive negotiations. This agreement demonstrates what can be achieved when parties engage respectfully, listen to one another and work in partnership towards a shared solution. We recognise and acknowledge also the active role played by the Ardee Traders and Businesses Association in bringing about this extremely positive resolution. Together we now have provided a pathway to deliver much-needed transport infrastructure for Ardee while recognising the importance of protecting its natural heritage.”

Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “This is excellent news for Ardee, the community I am proud to represent. As Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, I welcome the opportunity this bypass presents to support the town as it continues to grow and prosper. I thank everyone whose commitment, detailed work and constructive engagement have brought the project to this important stage”.

Cllr Jim Tenanty, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, said: “As Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, I, along with my fellow councillors, also welcome the agreement and acknowledge the sustained efforts made to find a constructive resolution. We look forward to the bypass project progressing as soon as possible.”

Neither party intends to make any further comment on this matter.

Busy period for local archers

October, for CúChulainn Archers and many competitive archers in Ireland, means the Millennium Archers Winter League. Millennium Archers,which meets in St Peregrines GAA Club in Dublin, is well known for its well run competitions and friendly atmosphere.

Their Winter League is a series of seven competitions held over a six month period, from October to April 2027 and follows a completely different set of rules both in the type of target face and the scores available. There are medals for the top three in every category at each of the legs and trophies will be awarded to the top three in each category at the end of the series.

Briefly, the competition is normal World Archery 18 metre competition, but then the changes start!

Firstly, instead of the usual 3 spot vertical face, the target is the Las Vegas 3 spot triangular face and the scoring method is Compound, Recurve and Barebow archers scores going from Yellow - available scores X10, 10, 9. Red - available scores 8, 7, Blue - available score 6.

With a maximum of 4 archers per target, two archers will shoot at the same time.

Archers A and C will shoot first and using the targets on the bottom of the archery butt and archers B and D will shoot at the top targets and shoot second. At the halfway point in the competition the archers will change their shooting order with B and D starting first and shooting the bottom targets, followed by archers A and C shooting second and on the top targets on the butts.

Archers will have 120 seconds to shoot their three arrows and the total amount of arrows to be shot is 60.

The best 4 scores of the 7 legs will be added together to find the winner in each category.

The first leg of the series was held on Oct. 3rd and, competing for CúChulainn Archers were Paul McCooey, Bridget Clarke, David Connell and Mary Clarke.

Paul McCooey shot a Personal Best and took the Silver Medal in Recurve -550 category putting in a good score towards the final in April 2027.
David Connell shot a Personal Best, too, in the Beginner Men -500 coming in at 6th position

Bridget Clarke came in at 9th position in the Beginner Women - 500 which was the largest category by far in the competition! Unfortunately Mary Clarke had a serious equipment failure and was unable to finish the competition.

All enjoyed the day and are looking forward to the second leg which will take place on Oct.31st.

Mayo Archers held their popular Nephin 3D Challenge on Sunday 11th October 2026.

Competing for CúChulainn Archers were Neil Keeble and Siobhán Keeble. While both archers are normally barebow archers, Neil decided to try Trad archery so he took to the field with a wooden longbow.

Massbrook Woods was the venue for this 3D shoot, with two 3D's per target and 30 lanes in total, which meant a grand total of 60 3D targets! A real challenge for the archers competing!

Siobhán Keeble took the Silver medal in Barebow Women and Neil Keeble - on his first attempt at Trad Archery - finished a credible 8th in a large field.

Congratulations to all who competed. CúChulainn Archers holds Beginner Courses throughout the year in Dundalk and Drogheda, enquiries to [email protected]

Pictured are Mary Clarke, Paul McCooey, Bridget Clarke and David Connell.
the second from the Mayo 3D Challange and in the second picture is Siobhán Keeble and Neil Keeble.

Ambassadors’ Visit Strengthens Links Between County Louth and Portugal

To mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the associated County-Country Pairing initiative, Louth County Council welcomed H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal, and H.E. João Pedro Fins do Lago, Ambassador of Portugal to Ireland, to the county on Friday, 2 October.

Ambassador Ní Choigligh was joined by Deputy Head of Mission Darren McVeigh, a Drogheda native, and Ambassador Fins do Lago was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission Nathalie Viegas.

The County-Country Pairing initiative aims to bring the European Union closer to local communities and create opportunities for cultural exchange, cooperation and stronger links between participating counties and EU Member States.

Developed in consultation with both Ambassadors and reflecting a number of themes associated with the Presidency and the pairing, the visit included engagements across north, mid and south Louth. The programme showcased the county’s investment in active travel, education, sport and community facilities, as well as its rich cultural and religious heritage.

Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:

“It was a great honour to welcome Ambassador Ní Choigligh and Ambassador Fins do Lago to County Louth and to introduce them to the people, places and projects that make our county so distinctive.

“From our investment in active travel and inclusive sporting facilities to our schools, libraries and internationally significant heritage, the visit demonstrated the breadth of what Louth has to offer.

“Most importantly, it provided opportunities for the Ambassadors to meet directly with students, community representatives and those delivering services across the county.

“Our pairing with Portugal is not intended to be limited to a single visit. It is the beginning of a relationship that we hope will lead to new connections and practical opportunities in education, culture, tourism, community development and other areas of shared interest. I look forward to seeing that partnership grow during Ireland’s EU Presidency and in the years ahead.”

H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal added:

“It was a real pleasure to visit Louth with my Portuguese colleague; Ambassador Fins do Lago. The welcome we received from the people of Louth was something that I’ll remember for a long time.

“The county pairings initiative was created to ensure that communities across Ireland have an opportunity to engage directly with the Presidency and with EU countries, and I was delighted to see that spirit reflected so strongly in county Louth.

“Initiatives like this really show that European cooperation is about much more than institutions and legislation. It’s about people, communities, schools, businesses, cultural organisations, and local authorities working together and learning from one another.

“Local authorities play a vital role in ensuring that European policies and programmes deliver tangible benefits on the ground. Louth County Council put together an impressive day, showcasing what the wee county has to offer.

“My personal highlight was speaking to students in Bush Post Primary School about Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the benefits of our EU membership.

“The Embassy of Ireland in Portugal looks forward to working closely with Louth County Council in deepening its connections with Portugal. And of course, I can’t wait to visit Louth again!”

The programme began at the Carlingford Lough Greenway, where the Ambassadors were met by Cllr Fiona Mhic Conchoille. They received a briefing from David Jones, Director of Services, Major Capital Projects and Infrastructure Delivery, and John O’Hagan, Senior Engineer with Louth County Council, on the development of the cross-border walking and cycling route and its contribution to sustainable travel, recreation and tourism.

At Bush Post Primary School, the Ambassadors met Principal Seamus Meehan, Student Council Adviser Caoimhe Halpenny, and TY students and staff to discuss Ireland, Portugal and the European Union. The engagement allowed the students to hear directly about the work of ambassadors, diplomatic relations and the importance of cooperation between EU Member States.

The delegation then travelled to St Brigid’s Shrine at Faughart, where they were met by David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council and Cllr John Reilly, Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Dundalk.

Cllr Reilly spoke about the historic connection between Faughart and Lumiar, Lisbon, where a relic associated with St Brigid has been venerated for centuries, creating a unique bond between County Louth and Portugal. Both Ambassadors were presented with a St Brigid’s cross handmade by Gerard Roe and a framed photograph of the shrine taken by local photographer Freddie McArdle.

At County Hall in Dundalk, Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, formally welcomed the Ambassadors to the county. The Ambassadors signed the Council’s Visitors’ Book and met with members of the Council’s Senior Management Team.

Thomas McEvoy, Director of Services, Economic Delivery, delivered a presentation on tourism and economic activity within the M1 Corridor, while discussions focused on developing a lasting relationship between the county and Portugal. Potential areas for further cooperation included education, culture, heritage, tourism, community development and economic activity.

Following lunch, the delegation made the short journey to Dundalk Sports Centre, where they were met by Ruairí Ó Murchú TD and Cllr Maeve Yore. The Ambassadors were introduced to members of Louth Disability Cycling Club, with Ambassador Ní Choigligh taking the opportunity to try one of the club’s adapted bicycles.

The engagement also included an overview of the masterplan for Muirhevnamór Park, followed by a tour of the new athletics track. Paula Keenan, Acting Senior Executive Officer with Louth County Council, and Richard English, Sports Facility Operations Manager with Louth Local Sports Partnership, outlined the development of high-quality, inclusive sporting infrastructure for athletes, schools, clubs and the wider community.

Dunleer Library was the next destination, where the Ambassadors met students and teachers from Scoil Bhríde Lann Léire. They were joined by Ger Murphy, Director of Services, Housing and Cultural Delivery, and Amanda Branigan, County Librarian with Louth County Council, who outlined the library’s role as an accessible space for learning, creativity and community participation.

Paula Butterly TD, Cllr Jim Tenanty, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Ardee, and fellow members of the Municipal District of Ardee were also present as the students performed songs and participated in a range of activities.

The delegation then travelled to St Peter’s Church in Drogheda, where they were welcomed by Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, and Cllr Michelle Hall. The Ambassadors viewed the shrine of St Oliver Plunkett and heard from local author Tommy Burns about the saint’s life, historical importance and enduring links with County Louth.

The final engagement took place at Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda, where the Ambassadors were welcomed by Moya Hodgers, Arts Officer with Louth County Council, and Aoife Ruane, Director of Highlanes Gallery. The delegation toured the gallery and viewed its new exhibition, Picturing the Border: 1921–2026, curated by Dr Orla Fitzpatrick, accompanied by a musical performance from members of Music Generation’s harp ensemble.

The visit marked the beginning of what is intended to become a longer-term bilateral relationship between County Louth and Portugal. Louth County Council will continue to explore opportunities for future exchanges and collaboration, as well as further visits that will enable additional communities, organisations and locations across the county to participate in the partnership.

"Peace was hard won": Louth councillors voice fears over Garvaghy Road parade

The determination to allow an Orange Order parade along Portadown’s Garvaghy Road brought the lasting hurt of the Troubles of Northern Ireland strongly into focus at Ardee and Dundalk Municipal District Meetings this month, with councillors backing emergency motions in relation to the decision by The Parades Commission to allow the Orange Order, without bands or accompanying supporters, to follow the traditional route from Drumcree Church through Portadown's mainly Catholic and nationalist Garvaghy Road area on 27th September.

Drogheda Borough District councillors also backed a similar motion at their monthly meeting.

In its determination made in relation to the Portadown District, the Commission said the parade had been barred from the Garvaghy Road since 1998 following "some of the most serious and sustained disorder in the history of Northern Ireland, including loss of life and serious injury and has led to raised community tensions and disorder across Northern Ireland."

The parade did not proceed, however, after protesters blocked the route, which the PSNI described as "unlawful and unnotified." It said removing crowd would have required disproportionate force and risked serious injuries.

At the Dundalk MD meeting, the emergency motion was brought to the table by Sinn Féin Cllr Antóin Watters, stating the members of the Dundalk Municipal District express their “serious alarm and concern at the determination of the Parades Commission in relation to the Drumcree Parade along the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.”

“The members request that these concerns be conveyed to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste and call on the Government, in the context of its role as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to raise the matter with the British Government and seek to ensure that the concerns of the Garvaghy Road community are fully respected,” the motion read.

Independent Cllr Maeve Yore said, “The Orange Order’s insistence of walking down a road is in my opinion a deliberate act of sectarianism and provocation that should not be allowed or tolerated.

“We all know the cost of war and the price of peace on this small island.”

Cllr Kevin Meenan told the meeting how he and his party colleagues had met with residents of Garvaghy road that weekend, describing “the shock and the tension” among those on the Garvaghy Road when they heard the parade would be allowed to go ahead.

“The tension all through that evening, and the amount of older people who were out in the road, and most of them were saying the same thing: never thought we'd ever be back to this again,” he said. “They never ever thought that this would happen, and most people were in shock at that stage.”
He described the situation as “sad to see” and added he hoped it would be resolved, and the community could return to normal.

Alongside him during that visit was Sinn Fein Cllr Sionnan McCann who told the meeting she had also visited the area with Cllr Meenan describing “sitting in a car at four in the morning in the lashing rain waiting for the PSNI to come and tell you to move on.”

Although Cllr Mc Cann had been born after the Good Friday Agreement she told the meeting, “The Good Friday Agreement gave everyone my age something wonderful to live under, which is the understanding that whether you're Irish or whether you're British, we should have an equality of cultural identity on this island, and to put an end to this idea of triumphalism that one group or one identity could be better or could get the upper hand of the other."

She reflected on her time spent with the residents of Garvaghy Road saying,
“I sort of felt like I'd been transported into one of those horrible stories I'd been growing up with my whole life.”

She said the motion was about peace and respect and “standing up for the principles we all believe in, that people fought hard for and to protect those rights now and it into the future.

“It supports building the island that we all want to live in whether it is a united Ireland or not.”

Cllr Marianne Butler also shared that concern for younger generations, saying some had no “real understanding of what happened” during the troubles adding “in some respects I don’t want them to know about it, I don’t want that to be their reality.”

She described allowing the parade as “an incredibly backward step” and said there was a “big fear” that it would be the first of many contentious parades that may be allowed again which could potentially undermine power sharing and threaten peace on the island.

Urging dialogue, Fianna Fáil Councillor Sean Kelly said the Good Friday Agreement had given a framework built on consent, respect and equality, principles he said “continue to guide us when difficult issues arise like this.”

He asked, “Why now? Why return to a route that has been the centre of division for so long?

“There are other options available. Tradition can be respected without reopening old wounds, and dialog should be exhausted before any decision that risks reigniting tensions,” he said, adding Portadown should be moving forward and not being dragged back to the divisions of the past. “Peace was hard won and the voices of the local residents must not be pushed aside.”

Fine Gael Cllr Robert Nash said it was “terrible in 2026 to see such division in Northern Ireland.”

“I think we can all agree the Parades Commission should never have allowed the parade,” he said.

Turning the discussion to Irish Unity, he referenced the “hassle and abuse” directed at Heather Humphreys during the 2025 Irish Presidential campaign, saying it showed how far away Irish Unity remained.

“I know my Sinn Féin colleagues won't like me or appreciate me saying that, but if we can't agree on 26 people walking down the road, how are you going to agree on major issues like education, like social welfare and things like that?”

Sinn Féin Cllr Fiona Mhic Conchoille responded that her family lived near the Garvaghy Road and she had been caught up in a “very bad incident” during the troubles.

“It’s not about 26 people walking down the road,” she said. “There was much more to it.”

Thanking members for their support, Cllr Watters said it was not about “disputing your beliefs, your rights or your religion, we’re not,” but said it was about the people of the Garvaghy road being able to live their day-to-day life. “They’re 28 years at peace. It’s about the human factor of this."

At the earlier Ardee Municipal District Meeting which took place on 1st of October, the same motion was brought before members by Sinn Féin Cllr Pearse McGeough, who said he had been “proud to stand beside the Garvaghy road residents” the previous week. He said though their “spirits were great” they were “fearful of repetition of the past.”

“What we have seen on the Garvaghy road since last Friday is extremely concerning to say the least,” he said. Referencing peace on the road for 28 years he said the decision made by the Parades Commission to allow the Orange Order to march through the nationalist area was “incomprehensible”.

He recalled the violence surrounding the earlier Drumcree dispute, describing those years as "very dark days" and questioned the police security assessment that informed the decision and warned, “This is a crisis that could end up with the loss of life.”

Urging both governments to act, he said “The Good Friday Agreement is a precious but sometimes fragile agreement and it is incumbent upon the two co-guarantors of the agreement to protect it and the people who live under it.”

Supporting the motion, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue (FG) said the situation was “deeply concerning”.

She welcomed the engagement that had taken place and said every effort should be made to find “peaceful and respectful ways going forward.”

“There is a generation that has never seen what went on before and I think that should continue,” she added.

Fianna Fail Cllr John Sheridan said there was a need for “calm prevail” and complimented those who had ensured calm had prevailed since the previous weekend.

“I think there's an obligation to look at the past on all sides in the north as well and try and find some way of dealing and reconciling the past,” he said.

Fine Gael Cllr Rachel Kerley who was born in 1998 after the Good Friday Agreement had been signed said, “I think from my generation, nobody wants to see us go back there and we are all very aware how fragile and sensitive the Good Friday Agreement is.”

She added that she hoped a solution that “protects everybody” could be found and that the Garvaghy road residents would always be respected, acknowledging the “terrible horrors” they experienced during the troubles.

Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District Cllr Jim Tenanty said “The eyes of the world are on this situation at the minute and some of us have grown up in troubled times and we don’t want to come back to that situation.”

Concluding, Cllr McGeough thanked members for their support saying, “Hopefully wise counsel will prevail.”

DUNLEER & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY LECTURE

The local history society are delighted to present a lecture on one of Dunleer’s most distinguished past residents, the late Padraig Faulkner. The talk will be given by Padraig’s son, Bartle and will cover the life and times of the former Teacher, GAA Community worker, Public Servant and Historian.

The lecture takes place on Thursday 15th October at The Market House, Dunleer ( A92V2N7 ) at 8.00pm. Tea and coffee served afterwards. Donations to D&DHS welcome

Dundalk Lions Club are collecting old glasses and lenses to help those in teh devloping world. To date 5,500 pairs of spectacles have been sent. Details on how you can donate are below.

World Sight Day :
Talking Newspapers C.D.
& Recycle for Sight

The Dundalk Lions ‘Talking Newspapers’ service continues to assist Persons with a visual impairment.

Each week, we read and record articles from the Local Papers onto CDs.

The CDs are then distributed in custom-made wallets to listeners in various parts of Co. Louth.

Listeners can reverse the address labels in the wallets for return .

An Post does not charge for delivery or return of the wallets so there is no cost to the listeners. Dundalk Lions provides the CDs free of charge.

CDs are usually posted on Wednesday ensuring that the ‘Talking Newspapers’ is received by Thursday.

If you wish to receive a CD, please send a name address and phone number to the Dundalk Lions Club c/o Gateway Hotel, Dublin Rd,Dundalk

or to Vision Ireland, Jocelyn St. Dundalk (Phone: (042) 941 9720).

____________

Recycle for Sight

5,500 Pairs of Spectacles sent
in 2026 to date.
_____________
Dundalk Lions are collecting old glasses and lenses. Thanks to local retail outlets, opticians,schools and individuals who have contributed. These are already on the way to those most in need in the developing world. We continue to collect the glasses and lenses which can be donated to collection boxes in the area.

These include

The Long Walk Shopping Centre

Specsavers
Eimear Court
Market Square.

Boyds Clanbrassil Court

Tesco
Dublin Road

Dundalk Grammar school
The Crescent

O'Connells G.F.C.

St.Marys College

They can also be given to any member of Dundalk Lions.

According to the World Health Organisation 153 million people worldwide have uncorrected eyesight problems. Most of these impairments are reduced with corrective lenses. Still millions of people in the developing world are pushed deeper into poverty because they don't have glasses. This prevents people from getting education and employment.

Your Support is Appreciated
_____________

Lions Clubs Ireland
Louth PPN
Dundalk Leader
Louth Live Dundalk Democrat
The Argus
Dundalk FM
Vision Ireland
Louth Volunteer Centre

Erin McGreehan TD welcomes €630,000 Investment in Mental Health Services for Louth

Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed what she describes as 'a significant €630,000 investment' to improve mental health services across Co. Louth.

The funding will provide:

€330,000 for a new Solace Café – a safe, community‑based alternative to the Emergency Department, open during evenings and weekends.
€300,000 for a crisis mental health nursing team at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, providing specialist care for people with urgent mental health needs.

The new Solace Café, will offer a safe, community‑based alternative to the Emergency Department for people seeking help, particularly during evenings and weekends. The service is intended to provide a calm, supportive space where individuals can access assistance without the pressures of an acute hospital setting.

The new dedicated crisis mental health nursing team at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda will ensure that people who present with acute mental health needs receive expert, compassionate care and are connected with appropriate follow‑up supports.

Deputy McGreehan said:

“This investment is an important step forward for mental health services in Louth. The Solace Café and the new crisis nursing team will give people better options and more immediate support when they need it most. This will improve support for people in Louth.”

Deputy McGreehan concluded:

“I would like to thank Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD for her work in securing these supports for Louth.”

Witness Appeal – Attempted robbery leads to serious injuries in Dundalk

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery that occurred at Muirhevnamor, Dundalk, Co Louth, at approximately 8:30pm on Tuesday 6th October 2026.

A man, aged in his 40s, received serious injuries after he was approached by two males who attempted to take his e-scooter. He is being treated at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where he remains in a critical condition.

The scene has been preserved for a technical examination.

One male (30s) was subsequently arrested and is being detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact them.

Anyone who was in the Muirhevnamor area on Tuesday 6th October 2026, between 7:00pm and 9:00pm, who may have video footage (including dash-cam) is asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station on 042 938 8400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Investigations are ongoing.

Darts league return a ‘Dunn’ deal

The Dundalk and District Dart League kicked off their season with the introduction of the Eamon "Skinner" Matthews Cup to its darts Calendar.

Eamon was part of the backbone of darts in Dundalk and the surrounding areas for many years and alongside his good friends Dermie Ralph and Paddy Dixon R.I.P. they helped make darts in Dundalk a great success.

12 doubles teams qualified for finals night in the Avenue Inn from an initial 31 teams.
Eamon's granddaughter did the draw and it threw up some cracking fixtures..
A mouthwatering clash was in-store with Stephen Ogle & Johnny Stewart up against the Dunns team of Daniel & Conor.

Stephen and Johnny raced into a 2 game lead but the lads clawed their way back into it, Stephen just missing tops for a 160 checkout and the Dunn boys kept plugging away for a 3-2 win.

The Dillon boys, Mark & Barry beat the mother and son team of Marianne & Aaron Taaffe before playing Niall Hinchey and Aaron Coyne, the Dillon boys weren't let get into the game and despite them both hitting big scores it was Niall and Aaron who would progress to the final.

Previous to that, Niall and Aaron had beaten Darren Ludlow and Alan Dullaghan in a game that went to the deciding game.

The Dunn boys were gathering up a head of steam and after eliminating another family team of Callum & Joanne who are Daniel's son and Conor's mum respectively, they would go on to beat Dylan Kirk and Tiernan Murphy to reach the final.

The Dunn boys laid down an early marker and picked up a few games lead but despite Aaron and Niall throwing well and picking up a few wins, it would be the Dunn's who would go on to win the final 5-2.

A big thanks to Dermot Ralph for sponsoring the trophy on the night, the last player to win the cup was Stephen Mc Donald and previous winners are like a who's who of darts with Pat Mc Hugh, Bertie Roddy, Basil Mc Quillan, Danny Maguire, Jim Mc Quillan, Pa**ie Fretwell, Brendan Rice & Tommy Dunn among others named on the cup.

A big thank you to the 3 venues (Avenue Inn, Commercial Club & Northend) who hosted last week's qualifiers and this week's final, a generous donation from them added to the prize pot.

And last but not least, a massive thank you to Eileen, Paul, Eamon, Sinead and the rest of the family for allowing us to play for the cup in Eamon's memory.