DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER EPSO FEST kicks off this Saturday in Dundalk Page 2
Dundalk Gardai join forces with Dundalk Women’s Aid
Frank to brave ice baths for Turas funding
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Wednesday, 4th June, 2025. Vol. 18, Issue 23 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 932 0888 | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com
‘Let down by the state’ Father of killed Dundalk soldier Michael McNeela left poor after access to army pensions payments are blocked By Paul Byrne 84-YEAR-OLD John Mc Neela has appealed to the Department of Defence to allow him continue to collect the small monthly allowance given to his late wife, Kathleen under the Army Pensions Act which was given to her in recognition of the couple’s son’s death in 1989. Michael McNeela was just 21 when he was killed in the Lebanon in 1989 while on his second tour of duty for the UN. The case was raised with Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris by the Dundalk Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú after he was contacted by Mr McNeela, but Minister Harris said the legislation does not provide for the transfer of the
ARD EASMUINN ROAD, DUNDALK. PHONE 042 935 7296. dunnesmonumental@gmail.com.
pension, worth just €342 per month, to Mr McNeela. Deputy Ó Murchú said the legislation which governs pensions given to the families of Defence Forces members who are killed on duty, is 80 years old and needs to be changed and updated. He said the McNeela case was ‘extremely rare’ and pleaded with the government to allow Mr McNeela to get the pension. Deputy Ó Murchú said he had started the process of drafting legislation to amend the anomaly but wants the government to make an interim payment for the Dundalk father, as has happened in the past with other uniformed services. Laoise McNamee and Realt na Mara teacher Roisin McGee both dressed up as Continued on Page 2 Mary Poppins for Book Week in the school! More pics on Page 8.
“A Spoonful of Sugar”
—OPEN— MON - FRI 9.30am – 5.30pm CLOSED 1pm-2.30pm (SAT 5pm)
EXTENSIVE RANGE OF QUALITY HEADSTONES ON DISPLAY - INSCRIPTION & RESTORATION SERVICE AVAILABLE