DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER New athletics track delayed until late April/ early May Page 4
Opening of Garden of Reflection to honour fallen Gardai Page 6
Probation services helping local communities Page 8
Wednesday, 8th October, 2025. Vol. 18, Issue 41 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 932 0888 | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com
“We love you. We will carry you with us forever” By Paul Byrne “We love you. We will carry you with us forever. Go now and be at peace. Look after yourselves. You’re together now for always”. Those were the words of Cian O’Connor son of Mark and Louise O’Connor and brother of Evan as part of his Communion reflection in St Patrick’s Church Dundalk, during the funeral Mass for his parents and brother. Mark, Louise and Evan O’Connor were found dead at their home in Drumgowna, just outside Stonetown last Monday morning. Robert O’Connor (31) appeared before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court last week and was charged with the murder of his parents and brother.
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A hushed silence descended upon the town centre at 11am as the hearses bearing three coffins drove slowly up Clanbrassil St towards St Patrick’s Church. The hearses were flanked by members of the North East Runners, who would later form a guard of honour outside the church. Mark had been a much-valued member of the North East Runners as was seen by the huge turnout from his clubmates. Some of the mourners wore odd socks as requested by the O’Connor family in honour of one of Evan’s ‘individualistic traits’. Cian began his reflection by thanking everybody for their condolences and well wishes and helping him and his family to get through ‘an extremely difficult time’ in their lives. Members from the North East Runners flanked the three hearses carrying the bodies of Continued on Page 2 Mark, Louise and Evan O’Connor as they made their way to St Patricks Church.