Year in Review: Looking back on the news across Louth February 2024

February 6th 2024

Employment in Dundalk took a blow at the beginning of February, with the news that PayPal was to further reduce its workforce in Ireland by up to 205 jobs, affecting both its Dundalk and Blanchardstown workforce.

Staff in Dundalk have been working remotely since the office in the town closed last year, when the company announced it was seeking to cut 172 jobs in Dundalk and 135 in Dublin pending the outcome of consultations.

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An Irish-language film based on rap trio Kneecap and filmed in parts of Dundalk and Greenore won an audience award at the prestigious Sundance film festival in February.

The win marked the first Irish film since John Carney’s Once (2007) to win an award at the prestigious US film festival, and the first Irish-language film ever to do so.

Based on the origin story of the raucous Irish-language rap trio Kneecap, the film stars the band’s Mo Chara, Moglai Bap and DJ Provai in their acting debuts alongside Michael Fassbender.

Promoters say the film, set in west Belfast in 2019, chronicles how fate brings the trio together and how they then go on to “change the sound of Irish music forever”.

Kneecap, the film, was awarded the Next audience award during the festival.

PHOTOS: Network Ireland Louth AGM and Christmas Dinner

Network Ireland Louth held its AGM and Christmas Dinner on Thursday 5 December in The Monasterboice Inn

February 13th 2024

It was announced in February that the much-loved Derryhale Hotel is being carefully restored to its former splendour.
The beloved landmark set just off the Carrickmacross Road was once the heart and soul of the local community and well-known throughout Ireland for its live music and events.

Dating back to the late Victorian/early Ewardian era, the Derryhale was once the pride of the town in its heyday but has sadly been derelict and falling into a state of disrepair for a number of years. 

The property was purchased for several million euro in February 2023 after a number of years in negotiations.

Dundalk native Andy Mackin said at the time he bought the hotel as he wanted to return it to its former glory.

“Derryhale is a project particularly close to my heart as a native of Dundalk. I used to go there when I was younger and found it heartbreaking to see it closed over the last 20 years and becoming so run down in the years,” he explained.

“I’m proud to be able to give something back to the ‘town’ and to hopefully leave a legacy in my Dad’s honour and name.”

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The Brigid 1500 ‘Louth: Birthplace of Brigid’ Festival, was a resounding success in Febraury attracting more than 55,000 visitors to the county over ten days.

Featuring a range of inspiring events and programmes celebrating the life and legacy of St. Brigid/ Brigid of Faughart, the festival was an integral part of the national Brigid 1500 commemorations.

The spectacular audio-visual Northern Lights show in Dundalk town centre was the headline event, attracting an estimated 48,000 visitors in just the first few days.

February 20th 2024

Louth County Council announced in February that it can now use technology such as CCTV and drones to monitor dumping hotspots in a bid to clampdown on illegal dumping.
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There were celebrations Arthur’s XL Shop on the Newry Road in Dundalk in February as it was revealed that it sold a jackpot winning ticket worth an astonishing €3.5m.

Brian Duffy, who owns the store with his wife Clodagh, was thrilled to hear the news so soon after selling another large prize.
He said at the time: "Two months with two big wins for our customers!

“Back in January, we sold an All Cash Platinum scratch card with a €75,000 prize and now the winning has gotten even bigger for February.

“We are delighted for the winner – imagine checking your ticket to see it’s worth over €3.5 million. “

“There is sure to be lots of excitement in-store as the news spreads and of course around the town as well. “