Kearney brothers included in Ireland’s World Cup squad

Rob and Dave Kearney with the Six Nations title in 2014

Brothers Rob and Dave Kearney have both been named in the Irish squad for this month’s World Cup.

While full back Rob’s 63 caps to date make him the joint third most experienced player in Joe Schmidt’s squad, the inclusion of his younger brother Dave had been in doubt after he missed the Six Nations campaign earlier this year through injury.

However, the winger’s impressive showing in last Saturday’s defeat to Wales seen him pip Andrew Trimble for a spot in the 31-man panel and he will make his World Cup debut should he land a 10^th cap.

David and Rob were two of only three players, along with Jamie Heaslip, to play in ever minute of Ireland’s 2014 Six Nations success.

Rob previously played in the 2011 World Cup but was injured in the first game against the United States. He did recover and was part of the side who were knocked out by Wales on a 22-10 scoreline in the quarter-finals.

The pair hail from Willville in Carlingford, with the peninsula village having another representative in the panel as the Kearney’s Leinster team-mate Devin Toner also makes the squad.

His father Peter hails from Carlingford while another Leinster player, Jordi Murphy, who has strong Annagassan connections is also included. His mum Nicola is the daughter of well known local athlete Noel Carroll while his grand-uncle Patsy still resides in Dunleer, as well as other family member.

Ireland’s first match is against Canada in Cardiff on September 19th.

Leprechaun Cavern granted planning permission in Carlingford

Inside the cavern

The underground Leprechaun Cavern in Carlingford will continue to be a must see for tourists to the peninsula in the months and years ahead after Louth County Council granted conditional planning permission for it to be retained and completed.

Leprechaun Whisperer Kevin Woods had applied in March for planning permission to retain and complete the cavern at Ghan Road and was finally given the go ahead last week after submitting extensive further information in May.

The underground cavern is linked by two tunnels. One runs under Carlingford and exits into the home of the 236 Last Leprechauns of Ireland below the Slate Rock on Foy Mountain Carlingford.

The other runs under Carlingford Lough and exits at the Fairy Glen in Rostrevor. It is also the home of the tooth fairy.

Entry to the cavern and the story of the survival of the 236 is relayed to you by the last Leprechaun Whisperer in Ireland, Kevin Woods, or in his absence a member of his extended family

Entry is €3 per adult and €5 per child and the child price includes a choice of one of 15 Leprechauns associated with the story and their survival.

The Leprechauns were protected in 2009 by the EU. under the European Habitats Directive.

For further details visit www.thelastleprechaunsofireland.com

Anti-drugs meeting planned for the peninsula next week

An anti-drugs meeting will take place in Mullaghbuoy Community Centre on October 1st at 8pm.

Speakers on the night will include Derek Russell from Roscrea, County Tipperary, whose community also made a stand against drug pushers.

Nora O’Donaghy from Turas Counselling Services, Dundalk, will also speak on drug awareness, and give advice to parents on what to look for if they think their child is taking drugs. She will also discuss the devastation caused by drugs, and what to do if somebody is pushing drugs on your child or you.

Sergeant Eugene Collins, from Dundalk Garda Station, will give a presentation of the different type of drugs which are been pushed on to our young people and will also discuss the problem of anti-social behaviour. Eugene will discuss the different means of how to contact the Authorities in confidence in relation to these matters.

This meeting has been initiated by the community and all organisations in the Peninsula are invited to attend this meeting. It is very important that local people and organisations do attend to show their support for their community. The objective of this meeting is to try and find out as a community how to deal with drugs and drug pushers in the Peninsula.

The community feel it is time that we stand up as a collective against these pushers who are ruining lives, ruining families and stealing the life out of drug victims.

Omeath Cultural Festival this weekend

The Omeath Cultural Festival takes place this weekend in the peninsula village.

The festival, which gets underway tomorrow, will celebrate and promote the Irish language, music and dance and all are welcome to attend.

Amongst the events lined up over the course of the weekend are Irish language courses, trad sessions, street parties, raft racing, a céilí and much more.

Also on Friday at 9pm the official opening of Áras na nGael – the new premises of the Omeath branch of the Gaelic League – will take place.

For more information call 042 9373033.

Carlingford-Omeath Greenway to be complete in a “matter of weeks”

Work has now commenced on the final stage of the Carlingford-Omeath Greenway, a new walk and cycle path linking the two peninsula villages.

The last 240m of the route will run through the Carlingford Marina boat yard, making the already compelted stages of the Greenway accessible from the Carlingford side.

In a statement on their Facebook page, Carlingford Marina said they thanked everyone for their patience in finishing the project but said they hoped to have the walkway fully open in a matter of weeks.

“May we take the opportunity again to thank everyone for their patience with the project. Obviously this particular section of the walkway required a significant amount of planning and discussion, with safety and security for walkers and berth-holders alike at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

“At this point we can’t give an exact date for when it will be completed – but we’re talking a matter of weeks.”

Clodagh McKenna’s TV show to focus on Carlingford today

Top chef Clodagh McKenna’s TV series Fresh From The Sea is airing all this week on RTÉ and today’s programme features Carlingford.

Clodagh will be in the peninsula village harvesting mussels and oysters and speaking to locals on how the area became so well known for its seafood.

Check out the show today on RTÉ One at 3.40pm.

Strong local interest in Irish rugby team

Devin Toner (left), carrying Paul O’Connell on his back during Irish training yesterday, is the son of Carlingford man Peter Toner

Louth will have a four-fold interest in Saturday’s Six Nations clash between Ireland and England at Twickenham.

While Rob Kearney has been flying the flag for the peninsula for some time, it has been well documented as well that his brother Dave has risen into the international ranks this season under Joe Schmidt.

However, the local connections don’t end there. Devin Toner, who also starts on Saturday, is the son of Peter Toner from Carlingford and spent many a day there during his youth.

Jordi Murphy, who is on the bench for the Triple Crown clash, also has strong Annagassan connections, with his mum Nicola the daughter of well known athlete Noel Carroll. His grand-uncle Patsy still resides in Dunleer, as well as other family members.

One man who just missed out on the matchday squad, Donnacha Ryan, also has a mum from Pearse Park in Dundalk meaning the Wee County has made a big impact on the current Irish rugby squad as they go in search of what would be only the country’s third ever Grand Slam win this year.

Meanwhile, a poll of Irish rugby fans commissioned by Ulster Bank has voted Rob Kearney the best looking player on the Irish team. The Willville man received 34% of the vote, pipping Monaghan’s Tommy Bowe who had 17%.

Local hotel named best wedding venue in Leinster

There were celebrations at the Four Seasons Hotel in Carlingford last night after it scooped the award of Best Wedding Venue in Leinster.

The peninsula-based hotel was honoured at the annual WeddingsOnline awards ceremony in Clontarf Castle.

On hand to collect the prestigious prize, which was voted for by the public, were staff members including general manager Caroline McCoy Mullen, manager John Mathews, Caroline McCumiskey and Majella Toner.

The family-run Four Seasons opened in April 2005 and has proven a popular venue for brides and grooms from both near and far due to its award-winning service and stunning setting.

Meanwhile, Drogheda-based Edel Tuite Bridal Design won the Bridal Wear Supplier of the Year award.

Peninsula ploughing this Sunday

The Peninsula Ploughing and Field Day will take place in Cooley this Sunday.

On the day there will be vintage tractors ploughing, horse ploughing, threshing mills, a vintage display of machinery, amusements for children, a roasting pig on a spit, a raffle with prizes and much more.

The day gets underway from 12.30pm with all proceeds in aid of Children’s Respite Lordship.

Greenore Living History event this weekend

 

A Greenore Living History Re-enactment weekend will take place in the peninsula village this Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday there will be a miniature train exhibition, as well as a range of fishing events.

Then on Sunday, the Living History re-enactment will take place on Euston Street, while there will also be street entertainment, vintage cars, craft displays and much more.

All are welcome to Greenore this weekend for what promises to be a great event.