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

August 6th

There was good news for Dundalk at the beginning August as it was announced that Louth County Council have signed contracts with Glas Civil Engineering Ltd. for the delivery of the St. Nicholas Quarter Regeneration Scheme.

Louth County Council Chief Executive, Joan Martin said at the time "the proposed works will regenerate and transform St. Nicholas Quarter, building upon its rich history as one of the oldest areas of Dundalk."

BDP Ltd are the Architectural Lead Design Consultants for this project. The long awaited works will include the upgrading of watermain, drainage, telecoms, and power networks.

It was announced new street lighting and street furniture will be installed; and upgrades to pedestrian facilities will include new stone paved footpaths and new pedestrian crossings.

August 13th
Dundalk athlete Kate O'Connor did us proud as she made history becoming Ireland’s first ever heptathlete to compete at an Olympic Games and finished in an impressive 14th place overall in Paris.

Arthur's Sporting Archives | Take a trip down memory lane

Friends and fans of Kate O'Connor made their way to Mo Chara to support the Team Ireland heptathlete in her final event of the competition, the 800m.

The atmosphere was electric, with supporters waving flags and wearing their colours as they cheered on every stride on the big screen.

Among those in attendance were members of Kate's athletic club, St. Gerard's AC, who were beaming with delight as they watched their Olympic hero finish in an impressive 14th place overall in Paris.

The occasion wasn't just about the race; it was a celebration of Kate's dedication and the pride she has brought to her hometown as she represented her town, county and country on the world stage.

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Pearse Park residents had a great night celebrating the estate's 75th anniversary in August.

Neighbours came together in the Clan Na Gael's Hall for the very special event to celebrate 75 years of the building of Pearse Park.

A great night was had by all with a fun music-bingo that has everyone singing along, with many prizes on offer.

There was plenty of food served and members of the long-established community in town, both past and present, danced the night away at a disco.

As part of the celebrations, the Pearse Park residents committee created an exhibition of photographs of Pearse Park, down through the years showing the history of the estate and how it has developed over the last 75 years.

August 20th

Legendary Dundalk manager Jim McLaughlin was remembered at his funeral Mass on August 19th as a man who “brought joy to many lives and made the lives of many brighter”.

Mourners gathered in St Fursey's Church in Haggardstown to bid a final farewell to Jim, who as Dundalk FC manager in the 70s and 80s, led the team to multiple league titles, FAI Cups and European recognition.

Dundalk FC players lined the road as the cortège took the former Dundalk FC and League of Ireland manager on his final journey.

And while tributes were paid to Jim, who passed away at the age of 83, for his many accolades and awards, his family also remembered him as a loving father to his children, grandfather and great-grandfather and devoted husband to Reina.

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The Conlon family, who run two popular delicatessens and a catering service, celebrated 40 years in business in August.

The family-run business, Conlon's Food Hall, was first established in town by Peter Conlon in 1984 and is still a thriving business and real hub of the community 40 years later.

August 27th
A search got underway in the Faughart area of Couty Louth in July, for the remains of one of the Disappeared, Robert Nairac.

The Joint Commissioners of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains (ICLVR), Tim Dalton and Rosalie Flanagan approved plans to conduct the search.

This will be the first search for the remains of Robert Nairac since he was murdered and secretly buried in May 1977.

The British Army officer is believed to have been abducted by the Provisional IRA while on an undercover operation in a pub in south Armagh in 1977 and taken across the border to Flurry Bridge in County Louth where he was killed.