ARDEE/COLLON

Contact me

Send any notes or details to Hubert at [email protected]

Culture Night in Collon Church

Collon Church opened in 1815 and was modelled on the Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge. It is collegiate in style, with the seating facing across the aisle.

It was commissioned by Speaker John Foster, the last Speaker of the Irish Parliament, dissolved in 1800. The splendid plasterwork ceiling was designed by Daniel Augustus Beaufort, reflecting the stone vault of King’s, and was worked on by William Edgeworth, brother of the novelist Maria Edgeworth. The stained-glass windows are unique, especially the east window – a depiction of the night sky with stars, the moon and planets. Outside are the graves of a Russian aristocratic family who escaped the revolution in 1917 and lived in Collon from the 1930s to the 1960s.

One memorial is to a niece of the Foster family who, when in Rome, turned down the attentions of a young man from the papal guard, who in later life entered the priesthood and progressed to become Pope. Another memorial is to a member of the Louth Militia – reflecting the troubled times of the late 18th and early 19th

Outside is a memorial to a Victoria Cross recipient and others from World War 1.

The organ is a recently restored original Telford instrument dated 1893.

Reflecting its architectural and historic status, the Church was recently upgraded in the architectural records from regional importance to national importance

On Friday 18 September, to mark Culture Night, a programme will be held in two parts. In the first part, speakers from the Louth Archaeological and Historical Society will show the building and speak about the history and associations.

In the second part, organists will speak about and play the historic Telford organ along with other musicians and singers.

The programme of historical talks and music will be repeated on the hour every hour, starting at 6 pm and repeated at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Everybody is welcome to drop in during the above hours for an enjoyable evening of music and local history and to experience the atmosphere of this unique building.

Visitors before 7 p.m. can see the stained glass in daylight. Admission is free.

Mattock lotto

Numbers drawn are: 1, 13, 25, 32, €14,900 Jackpot not won. Two Match 3 winners: Aaron Smith and Phyllis Englishby, Next Jackpot will be €15,000. Our Lotto takes place every Tuesday night at 8pm. Mattock Rangers Lotto is sponsored by No. 3 Wine Bar and Restaurant.

Feather Brothers in concert

The Feather Brothers are a traditional Irish music and folk group from County Monaghan. The band comprises three McKenna brothers — Patrick (bouzouki, banjo, vocals), Peter (accordion, banjo), and Dermot (whistle, bodhrán, guitar, vocals) — joined by fiddler Mariesa Dolan from County Fermanagh.

On Sept 18th, they will be joined by special guests, an exciting young Trad band from Mid-Louth called SAOL comprising the Fox & Devlin families, all multi-instrumentalists. Core duties on the Night will be Aoibhín Fox (Fiddle), Darcey Devlin (Banjo), Shea Devlin (Guitar) Conor Fox (Banjo/Bodhrán) and Sinéad Fox (Flute/Concertina).

Scoraíocht Lann Léire will also host a pre-concert session for young musician at The Market House Dunleer at 5.30pm before the concert in the Scoraíocht Teach Ceilí begins at 7pm! Sure to be a great evening of entertainment and craic for Trad music lovers!

Dromin Blessing of the Graves

The annual Blessing of the Graves (Dromin Patrún) at St. Finian’s Church in Dromin, is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 11:00am to 12:30pm.

Hunterstown in Re-Turn scheme

Hunterstown Rovers GAA is thrilled to announce its participation in the Deposit Re-Turn scheme!

Why not save the environment AND help Hunterstown Rovers? Bring along your empty bottles and cans to the clubhouse at any time–they have a big orange bin located there to collect your empty bottles.

They will accept plastic drinks bottles and cans with the DRS logo Deposit Return Scheme logo. This bin is only for cans and plastic bottles as part of the deposit return scheme. No other forms of rubbish are meant to be placed in them.

All proceeds from collected cans and bottles with the Re-Turn label will go towards the GAA Club.

Walk and a cuppa in Collon

Walking for All have organised a weekly local community walk in Collon. It takes place every Saturday morning at 11.30 meeting at the Parochial Hall car park, Ardee Street. The walk is suitable for all ages and abilities. No long term commitment necessary. Just turn up any week that you’re free. They would love to see as many people as possible join them on the walk for exercise, a chat and a cuppa at the end. Please contact Orla on 087-9427722 or sign up at https://walkingforall.com/walks/mellifont-movers-co-louth.

Mothers & Others GAA

Mothers & Others ladies at Mattock Rangers is a great way to meet up, stay active and enjoy an hour or so of fun. Garon brings the coaching part and is dedicated to the cause. For players and enthusiasts of all standards. Just come along.️

Ministers are needed

Ardee & Collon Church are seeking new Eucharistic Ministers. If you are interested in this important ministry, please contact Sinead in the Parish Office 041 6850920 or email [email protected].

St Vincent de Paul

Don’t forget SVP are there to assist you if you need help. The contact number is 087 645 8038. Just leave your name, number and a brief message and a Conference member will get back to you as soon as possible.

Personal alarms

Personal Alarms for people aged 65 and over under the Senior Alerts Scheme in Ardee and Mid Louth areas. For information and application form please contact Michael Fahey, SVDP Ardee on 087 2925220.

Creative Writing Group

New members are invited to Ardee Library every Friday morning from 10.30am- 12noon, Beginner and experienced writers welcome. Text of whatsapp 087 069 0625. No cost involved.

Ardee boxing club

Ardee boxing club is now based in the old school at Ballapousta, close to the graveyard. New boxers are more then welcome .Anybody can come along, as long as they are over seven, and just bring a bottle of water.Each training session is €5 .. They are on Facebook so contact the club that way.

Cancer Support group

Ardee Cancer Support group can be contacted in various ways, including email at [email protected]

Philipstown bingo

Philipstown Community centre Bingo at 7:30pm and will continue every Thursday. All welcome.

Collon graveyard

Rosary recited every Sunday at 3.00pm

Collon choir

Collon Parish Choir practice on Wednesday nights. Practices take place in the Church Gallery. New members are always welcome.

Bridge classes

Bridge Classes for absolute beginners, classes to improve. Everyone welcome. Every Tuesday at Ferdia House, Moorehall, Ardee at 7.30pm. Phone Tos McGee 086 8059 369.

Ardee School of Music

The Ardee School of Music is a great place and their Baby Musical Rascals classes are a fantastic way to introduce your baby to the wonderful world of music. These classes are specifically tailored for babies aged from 3 months to 1 year.

For more information or to book your place contact Ruth via their Facebook page or call 0872967020. Ruth and the service she provides in the region is second to none.

DUNLEER

Contact

For local notes entries please email me at [email protected]. Deadline for entries is strictly every Friday at 9.30am. Anything sent in after the deadline will be kept and submitted for the following week’s publication.

Active Retirement

The Dunleer Active Retirement returns to St Brigid’s Hall on Tuesday, September 8th at 2pm after summer break. They welcome their regular members back and hopefully new members.

They start with 8 sessions of Chair Aerobics . Anyone who would like to go for a visit and have cup tea are very welcome.

Dunleer Golf Society

The Dunleer Golf Society’s annual away outing will take place at the Enniscorthy Golf course, County Wexford, on the 11th and 12th of September 2026 and will be Sponsored by the Drogheda CreditUnion, Dunleer Branch.

Women’s Group

A new Women’s Group for over 40s and beyond is inviting like-minded ladies to come along for a cuppa, a chat and good company. A chance to meet new people, make friends and enjoy some friendly conversation in a relaxed setting. The group will meet at Dunleer Library on Tuesday, September 15th, from 6pm to 7.30pm. All are welcome. For more information, contact Caroline on 087 641 8646 or contact Dunleer Library.

Supporting John & Margaret

John Torris from Dromin, Dunleer, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) 18 months ago, and sadly, the disease has progressed rapidly. John has lost the use of both his legs and now his arms, leaving him confined to a wheelchair and needing help with everyday tasks we often take for granted. Despite this, John remains incredibly strong. He has faced his diagnosis head on and never lost his sense of humour. With his quick wit and brilliant storytelling, he is always the best company.

John has been married to Margaret for 30 years and they have a son, James. A self-employed roofer for most of his working life, John later became a lorry driver with Wogan Build Centre in Drogheda. He is now unable to work, while Margaret cares for him full-time, 24/7.100% of funds raised will go towards adapting their home, medical equipment, household bills and, above all, keeping John as comfortable as possible.

Any support would mean so much to John, Margaret and James. To donate: https://gofund.me/fc2bb6adc

Lann Léire Goes Loco

Lann Léire goes Loco Bingo Logo in the Pavilion Dunleer October 25th at 8pm. Doors open at 6.30, over 18s only

Tickets are €25 money goes to the LGFA PEIL na mBAN and Lann Léire C.P.G.

Retired & senior citizens tea & coffee

The market house coffee morning for September will take place this Friday October 2nd.

Deeside Youth Project

Open to 1st to 6th years students. Drop in Tuesdays from 4.30pm to 6 and Fridays 1.15 to 2.45pm in the Coach House, Market house Dunleer.

Bingo

Bingo takes place every Thursday at 7.30pm sharp in Philipstown hall. All are welcome.

Trad Session

Trad Sessions take place every Friday from 8pm to 10pm in Shearmans Dunleer, all levels welcome. Music at a safe pace.

Dunleer parochial parish tea & chat

Monthly cup of tea and chat after 11.30am Mass on the first Sunday of each month.

Slimming World

Group sessions are at 5:30 and 7pm in the Market House main street Dunleer every Wednesday.