dundalk.ie

Swiss watch maker, Longines have been announced as sponsors of the National Grand prix at Ravensdale Lodge Equestrian & Event centre once again in 2012. This is the second time in as many years that the prestigious company has sponsored this event at Ravensdale Lodge, the Grand Prix weekend is scheduled at the north Louth venue from May 25th to 28th. Based in St Imier, Switzerland since 1832, Longines celebrates its 180th Anniversary in 2012 and boasts a long tradition of sports timekeeping which dates back to 1878. Longines has a rich, 80 year heritage of being involved with equestrian sports through its role as sponsor and timekeeper at prestigious show – jumping events throughout the world. Longines are official timekeepers and sponsors of many of the five star CSIO International Grand Prix including Dublin, Barcelona and Hickstead. They involvement in equestrian sport also extends to horse racing where they are official timekeepers and watch partners of events such as Royal Ascot, the Melbourne Cup and the Dubai World Cup.

As part of the TRM National Grand Prix League, Ravensdale Lodge plays host to their weekend show over three days from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th May with the featured National Grand Prix class set for Sunday 27th. The Longines main grass arena at Ravensdale Lodge will stage three events on Sunday, the finals of the 1.20m Longines Conquest and the 1.30m Longines Dolce Vita classes with the Longines National Grand Prix being the finale of the weekend. Qualifiers for the 1.20m Longines Conquest and the 1.30m Longines Dolce Vita classes will be held in the main grass arena on Friday and Saturday. In addition to the scheduled prize fund there will be a signature Longines rug for the winner of all three classes in the Longines main arena on Sunday and commissioned Longines crystal for the top three finishers in all three classes. To top things off there will also be a Longines Conquest watch presented to the winner of the Grand Prix.

“Longines are delighted to continue our association with Ravensdale Lodge as official watch and title sponsor of the National Grand Prix weekend at the centre on Sunday 27th May” stated Longines Brand Director Justin Thompson. “This relationship with Ravensdale Lodge reinforces Longines commitment to equine sports in Ireland with the five star CSIO International Grand Prix at the Dublin Horse Show being the highlight of the show jumping calendar” he went on to say. Niall Connolly of Ravensdale Lodge commented “We are thrilled to have such a prestigious brand as Longines remain with us as watch and title sponsor of our National Grand Prix on Sunday 27th May”. “It is a wonderful endorsement of our facilities and a great honour to be included in the list of events that Longines put their names to such as Dublin, Hickstead and Barcelona. We are also delighted that competitors over the weekend will have the opportunity once again to jump for some really special prizes such as the Longines watch, rugs and commissioned crystal. This calibre of prizes is just not available outside the International five star shows. It has the makings of a really special weekend”. 

On Friday,April 27th at the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin the winners of the Irish Franchise Awards 2012 were announced and Dundalk based business Car Medic scooped 2 silver medals presented by Minister for small business John Perry, TD. The Irish Franchise Awards recognise excellence in franchisingand rewards the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the franchise industry. Car Medic was awarded a silver medal in the category of Best Emerging Franchise and a further silver medal in the Most Innovative Marketing Category.  The judging panel for the 2012 Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association Awards included Irish Dragon and Newstalk Presenter Bobby Kerr; Orna Stokes, Senior Manager SME & Franchising Ulster Bank; Orla Nugent, Director Executive MBA, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Greg Swift of Dublin County Enterprise Board and Cian O Mongain from the Sunday Business Post.

The award categories represented both retail and service industries and local businessman Paul Callan shared the stage with Irish and International household names. McDonalds were presented with the “Outstanding Contribution to Franchising in Ireland” Award and other award winners included Boston Brand Bars, Fastway Couriers, The Zipyard, CEX, Funky Monkeys, Hillbilly’s Fried Chicken, FitKids, Cartridge Green, Motivation Weight Management Clinics, Snap and Chem-Dry Ireland.  Paul Callan, Master Franchisor of Car Medic in Ireland said “We are thrilled to have won these two awards and to share the stage with such long established franchises is a great honour for a small business like us just getting started. We pride ourselves in providing our customers with the very best value and quality of service and depend upon the general public in our day to day repair business.  Our new Silver Franchise packages give people an opportunity to work for themselves but not by themselves at a relatively low start up cost.  We are thrilled to have 2 silver medals to go with our silver franchise packages”

Car Medic repair cosmetic damages, scuffs and scratches to vehicles at customers’ homes or places of work and offer outstanding value due to a clever franchise model and low overheads.  New cars depreciate from the moment they leave the showroom and used cars, particularly those bought in affluent times, are most often now in negative equity so people are trying to keep their cars on the road longer. The Car Medic innovative SMART repair system is up to 70% cheaper than body shops and uses the best quality products available.  Car Medic also takes the body shop to the customer at work or at home with their fully equipped mobile units so the vehicle can be repaired in hours rather than days. See www.carmedic.ie

The Irish Franchise Awards ran in conjunction with the Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association EXPO which took place on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th of April at The RDS.  The exhibition was a showcase for Irish franchisors and the franchising sector displaying excellent franchise opportunities while maintaining a strong focus on business format franchising.  Car Medic was a highlight at the EXPO and one of the most popular stands.  The awards were presented at the RDS Concert Hall on Friday April 27th 2012. The ceremony was an impressive business event reflecting the strength of the franchise sector in these challenging times.  According to the latest Irish Franchise survey, the sector contributes €2.4 billion to the Irish economy with 4,086 operating units on the island of Ireland and provides 42,927 full-time equivalent jobs to the economy. 

Walking Club to the Slieve Foy Mountain on Sunday May 13th 2012.The RTE broadcaster who has got the nation walking all over Ireland is visiting the North East next.  Selected from over 30 entries, Slieve Foy mountain overlooking the medieval town of Carlingford will be the venue for his next programme.The broadcaster is very excited about visiting the area as the Cooley Mountains which is situated directly across from the majestic Mountains of Mourne is rapidly becoming a popular walker’s destination. 
The biggest gathering took place earlier this year in Clonakilty in Co Cork where 1500 people turned out to walk with the RTE radio show.   
‘We would really like to beat the highest gathering number and are asking everyone across the region to come out in support and make the event a memorable one.  It is a unique opportunity to showcase this destination nationally.We are also looking for people with unusual stories to come forward for selection for the programme’ said Frances Taylor, Carlingford and Mourne Region. 

One of the areas National Looped Walks- the Barnavave Loop has been chosen as the walking route.This particular trail highlights a substantial amount of the unique archaeology and mythology of the area. Folks will walk in the footsteps of the mighty warrior Cúchulainn as he defended Ulster against Queen Maebh’s army in the famous battle of the Brown Bull of Cooley.Finn Mc Cools outline along the side of the mountain overlooks heritage sites such as a Neolithic Court tomb, a Famine Village and will skirt the Special Area of Protection for Leprechauns awarded in 2010 by the European Union.  As a grade 3 walk, it is accessible to all ages and levels of walkers.There is entertainment promised midway and complimentary refreshments available for all participants at the end.
People are asked to gather at the Village Green from 11.00am in the morning and are advised to wear sensible footwear and take a bottle of water with them. The walkers are requested to observe the Leave No Trace guidelines.

Dundalk TCCM and Dundalk Chamber of Commerce have teamed up together and created a Facebook page; "Dundalk Super Saturday Specials". It has been noted that in recent times that business has declined in the town especially on a Saturday. This Facebook page is a way to promote your business and have the opportunity to encourage shoppers to shop in the town by offering them "Super Saturday Specials".

The Facebook Page will allow businesses to post their Saturday Specials from their own Facebook pages on to the Dundalk Super Saturday Specials Facebook page. The address is: www.facebook.com/dundalksupersaturdayspecials, if you do not have a facebook page you can forward your Super Saturday Specials to our facebook administrators on the email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The deals posted are only to be valid on a Saturday: insignificant deals will be removed from the page.

There is no cost to post on the site. However it is our intention to promote “Dundalk Super Saturday Specials” at particular times during the course of the year in order to maximise business for the town. If we advertise in the general media then we would request a contribution. Your opinion would be sought before any expenditure was incurred. For example: Half Marathon & 10k -Wednesday 9th May, International Market  - Friday 25th May to Sunday 27th May, Tain Festival - Thursday 7th June to Sunday 9th ,Euro 2012 Festival – Sunday 10th to Monday 18th June ‘Paint the Town Green’, and Nights of Lights – 16th /17th November

We hope that you will be part of this promotion as it is a great way to promote your business through social media and at no cost so upload your offers now as we have over 300 likes to date.Please like our page also!

If you require more details do not hesitate to call Samantha in the TCCM office on 042- 9352842 or Charlene in Dundalk Chamber of Commerce on 042-9336343.

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce is delighted to launch the Louth Business Awards for 2012. The aim of these awards is to recognize the achievements of companies and individuals in promoting excellent services and products in a top class manner. Given the challenging times we are in we are encouraging companies to rally and recognize the organizations that are performing well.

Dundalk Chamber would like to encourage you to enter your business for these awards and give your company the opportunity to see its profile rise and be seen as a model of success, tough times or not. Success breeds success, so win or loose we believe your participation will have positive impact for the morale of all employees. Please look at the categories in the attached document, you may well qualify for more than one, so be sure to select that in which you have best fit. The Awards evening provides a good social outing for all contestants.

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Application Form for Louth Business Awards 2012

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Mr Michael Ring, Minister of State, Dept of Tourism Transport and Sport is to launch a joint trade initiative on the 25th April 2012 in The Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford, Co Louth.
Bus Éireanns  ‘Dublin to Carlingford and Mourne ‘ Bus Tours will operate 2 daily services from May 1st 2012 between Dublin City and the Carlingford and Mourne region.   The minister will travel on the specially Carlingford and Mourne branded 100X bus along the new route to the medieval town to attend the launch of the innovative partnership.   
The joint activity which incorporates the tourism market within the public transport service for mutual benefit, is a unique enterprise which may be used as a model on a national basis.   Bus Éireann and Carlingford and Mourne Region will jointly market and deliver daily tours from Dublin City to the area, with pickups in Drogheda and Dundalk.
Carlingford and Mourne Region Ltd is aimed at promoting the geographical areas from Dundalk in North Louth to Newcastle in County Down as a single destination within the national and international visitor marketplace.  Its aim is to develop the area as one complete destination, ignoring political borders under its brand ‘Carlingford & Mourne - ‘It’s beautiful…’  
 ‘Tourism statistics record that over 3 million international tourists visit Dublin and this initiative will substantially assist in dispersing a percentage of the market to this region’.  Frances Taylor, Marketing Director, Carlingford and Mourne Region.  ‘We recognise the minister’s strong support of our activities and commitment to directly increasing visitor numbers to the area’.
Carlingford and Mourne Region Ltd believe that a regional approach in all marketing activities will ensure a high impact within the national and international markets.  The company will concentrate considerably on the international visitor package and bundling.   Full packages offered will include event, walking, love & adventure, genealogy, golfing, workshops, activity, family, holistic, geology and shopping with international bookings for 2012 secured at this early stage.
Promotional car, window and display stickers have also been produced to be distributed throughout the region and the website www.carlingfordandmourne.com  contains over 800 listings with an emphasis on the distinctive myths and legends of the region.  
The directors of Carlingford and Mourne hold an established reputation within the tourism sector and have a remarkably successful career of securing international awards and recognition including the European Destination of Excellence Award in 2008, National Heritage Week Best Innovative Event 2010, Best Overall Event 2010 and Louth Person of the Year 2011 for contribution to tourism.  The directors are strongly involved in the tourism sector at European level and are project leaders on the international EDEN Network Steering committee within the EU Commissions Tourism Unit.

In picture left to right: Kevin Woods Director Carlingford and Mourne, Stephen Woods Regional Manager Carlingford and Mourne,  Mr Michael Ring Minister of State Dept of Transport, Tourism and Sport , Frances Taylor, Marketing Manager Carlingford and Mourne, Peter Fitzpatrick TD and  Ray O Leary Principal Officer Dept of Transport, Tourism and Sport.  

Dundalk based business Car Medic has been short-listed for awards in no less than 3 categories at this year’s prestigious Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Awards at the RDS Dublin on Friday April 27th. These awards recognise excellence in franchising and reward outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the franchise industry.   Paul Callan, Master Franchisor of Car Medic in Ireland is hoping to scoop awards in the Most Innovative Marketing category, Best Emerging Franchise category and Franchisee of the year category.  The judging panel for the 2012 Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association Awards include Irish Dragon and Newstalk Presenter Bobby Kerr; Orna Stokes, Head of Specialist Sectors, Ulster Bank; Orla Nugent, Director Executive MBA, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Greg Swift of Dublin County Enterprise Board and Cian O Mongain from the Sunday Business Post.

There is a record 2.5 million registered cars on the roads in Ireland but due to recessionary times, people are changing their cars less often and need to keep cars on the road longer. Car Medic repair cosmetic damages, scuffs and scratches to vehicles at customers’ homes or places of work and demand is higher than ever as franchisees are inundated with business.  This multi-award winning franchise is one of the safest routes to self-employment and offers a comprehensive training and support network.   Car Medic is geared towards keeping overheads low and profits high and has already signed up three new franchisees since the start of January 2012.  Car medic is revved up and raring to go with franchise opportunities available all over Ireland from just €12,995.  Paul Callan, Master Franchisor of Car Medic and Dundalk local said “I am thrilled that Car Medic is short-listed for three awards.  I was hoping to be shortlisted in one category but to get three nominations is really fantastic.  I am particularly pleased for my Franchisee Paul McManus in North Dublin.  It says a lot about Car Medic when Franchisees are shortlisted for awards and it proves that the system is working and our franchisees are doing well.”

Car Medic is an asset to both the local and national franchising sector and proves that hard work and dedication pays off. The Awards ceremony is the highlight of the much anticipated Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association EXPO on April 27th and 28th. The award ceremony is anticipated to be an impressive business event and will reflect the remarkable growth of the franchise sector in these challenging times.

Louth museum webcast to engage Maryland students

The history of Dundalk, County Louth, will be aired in the classrooms of two American schools on Monday next as part of an innovative new online project developed by County Museum Dundalk.

Students of Dundalk High School and Dundalk Middle School in Maryland are participating in the first of six live internet webcasts on various aspects of life and work in Louth’s capital town during the 20th century.

The series of hour-long webcasts will focus primarily on the lives of people working in the local brewing, tobacco manufacturing and shoe manufacturing industries, as well the role and nature of education and entertainment in the Dundalk area. 

The decision to involve students from the US forms part of the project’s key objective of assisting schools with respect to local history studies.  Dundalk in Maryland was established in 1856 by Henry McShane, a native of County Louth who established the McShane Bell Foundry on the banks of the Patapsco River on the outskirts of Baltimore.

According to Museum Curator, Brian Walsh: “We are trying to do something novel in the presentation of history to schools not only locally but internationally as well.  By broadcasting through our website, www.dundalkmuseum.ie, we are looking to develop a new audience, to make the museum and the collection interesting in a different way, and most importantly produce a publicly available archive of recorded material for future reference.”

“The programmes are designed to assist schools with respect to local history studies with the preparation of a specialised worksheet dealing with each theme over the course of the broadcasts.  The worksheets, which will be available to download from the museum’s website, will feature photographs of the activity being discussed along with a unique insight into the dramatic changes in local life over the course of a lifetime”, he added.

Commenting on the transatlantic link-up, Michael P. Joyce, a teacher at Dundalk Middle School stated: “After hearing about the project I knew right away that there was a great opportunity to raise the historical awareness of our students. Learning about the past third person does not always induce thought.  As kids we all loved trips outside of school. More importantly those experiences made for strong memories. This project is a brilliant way to inject first person experience into our day to day instruction. Students love what’s new and what they can interact with. This brings the past alive. It’s the new textbook!”

Pam Cline, Librarian and Technology Liaison at Dundalk High School said students were very excited about the connection with their name sake town in Ireland. 

“It will be interesting to see what we have in common with the Irish Dundalk.  Maybe we will do a history of our Dundalk so that they can know what we are like.  We are so looking forward to working with Brian on this project.  Our students are anxious to create a video with their sister city”, added Ms. Cline.

Programme host and local radio broadcaster Harry Lee explained that the show will feature guests with first hand experience of working in local industries, and will provide an entertaining and informative glance at life in Dundalk during the 20th Century. 

Mr. Lee continued: “I believe that internet radio is the future and that this is a great way of making history interesting and relevant to a new generation. We are hoping to generate an atmosphere of a fireside conversation, making it an enjoyable experience for our guests and, of course, our listeners”.

Running order for live webcasts:                                                                                                                                                                 -         Education, 1.30-2.30pm, Monday 26th April

-         Brewing, Monday 10th May

-         Tobacco and cigarette manufacture, Monday 17th May

-         Shoe manufacture, Monday 24th May

-         Printing, Monday 31st May

-         Entertainment, Monday 14th June                                                                                                                                           Further information on the live history project is available from Brian Walsh at 042 9327056, or on the museum website: www.dundalkmuseum.ie.

Marshes Shopping Centre and Dundalk Stadium are calling all foxy foals and thoroughbred fashionistas!

Ladies Day at Dundalk Stadium is set for Thursday 12th July and Marshes are once again betting on stylish race goers to pull out all the stops in the hope of winning the grand prize - a €5000 Marshes shopping spree.

Registration for entry into Marshes Best Dressed Lady opens Monday 2nd April. Register to enter online at dundalkstadium.com.

The Best Dressed Lady competition will be judged by a secret celebrity guest. Ssshhh...The celebrity judge will look favourably upon those wearing a hat! The crowned winner will take home €5000 worth of Marshes Shopping Vouchers and the coveted title ‘Best Dressed Lady 2012’.

Best Dressed entrants will be treated to a VIP ‘Ladies Aloud’ Marquee on the day featuring everything the budding Best Dressed requires including a GHD Bar, Make-up Touch-up Station, DJ entertainment, Style Advice, Micro Beauticians, drinks reception and more! Ladies will also be given the chance to rub shoulders with Louth’s elite and the special celebrity guest.

Dundalk Stadium will host a 7 race horse card on the day (Thursday 12th July) commencing at approximately 2.15pm followed by 12 greyhound races commencing at 7.45pm which includes one of the biggest events of the year, the Boylesports.com Dundalk International 2012. This race is one of the richest one off events in the UK and Ireland with some of the top Irish and English greyhounds taking part.

May lady luck be with you on Thursday 12th July! See marshesshopping.com or dundalkstadium.com for more details

The wackiest Easter event on the calendar - ever!

Easter is the time of holy celebration, colorful Easter hats and chocolate eggs… Well, not in Carlingford in Co Louth – get set for the wackiest event of the year.!

The area that hosts the National Leprechaun Hunt is ‘laying’ on a day at the races Easter egg style.  Open to anything that lays an egg - The Easter National Poultry Races are on!

The sane and insane are invited to watch chickens, roosters, ducks and geese race to the finish line on the Village Green in the picturesque town of Carlingford in County Louth on Easter Monday April 9th 2012 at 2.00pm.

International Boyle Sports have partnered with the innovative event and will be on course to accept bets on ‘Chuck, Chuck’, ‘What a Chick’ or ‘Cock a Doodle Don’t.

However, this continues to be serious business to some poultry farmers.   Over the last 6 weeks, intensive training has been taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel Leisure Centre in Carlingford, the official training centre for the madcap races. Residents of the hotel have been surprised to find themselves swimming alongside ‘Duck It’ and running side by side with ‘Early Riser’ on the treadmill 

Competition is reported to be high and tensions between the bird camps are becoming quite frayed.  A reliable source confirmed that a recent scattering during training resulted in quite a mess to clean up.  Apparently, during a particular session ‘Feathery Jane’, felt that personal trainer Gary Campbell was giving too much time to rival ‘What a Yoke’.  The white Suffolk flew into a rage and later departed from the hotel, looking ruffled. 
 
Representatives from the Irish National Poultry Health Association have been inspecting the ongoing training and overseeing the course preparation.
 An INPHA spokesperson said ‘We are delighted to see this healthy activity for poultry and it is encouraging to see that people are offering a fun activity for these birds who are usually attended to solely for their produce.  The country is so much into health these days and it is appropriate that it is including our feathered members of society.’

In the event of alternative weather conditions the races will be held at the Dundalk Racecourse - the only all-weather track in Ireland.  

The day at the races is being delivered by Taaffes Castle in Carlingford whose previous events have won the 2010 Heritage Week’s Best National Overall Event.

Regional and local business’ have also strongly supported the 12 races including the prestigious Scrambled Eggs Stakes. 

Flat, hurdle and obstacle races will be programmed and the event promises to be one not to miss for the entire family! 
The first race is scheduled for 2pm
Entries will be accepted until Thursday 5thnd April at 5.00pm – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
                                                                                       www.carlingfordandmourne.com