Latest news with #TheRedDoorProject
Irish Independent
14-08-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Boxing Clever packs a punch for Drogheda participants
Now in its third year, the 20 week course at The Red Door Project combines education, fitness, and mental well-being support. Backed by Louth County Council and Healthy Louth through the Healthy Ireland Fund, it blends QQI–accredited training in addiction studies and health-related fitness with boxing classes, nutrition advice, mindfulness, and stress management. For many participants, the experience has been transformative. Francis Shields, 61, joined after a period of ill health. 'I'd never done anything like it before,' he said. 'It keeps the mind going… When you're having one of them days when you're down, it's straight back up again once you come in here.' For Róisín Gore, who is in recovery from addiction, the programme helped restore her health and rebuild her social circle. 'When you put the gloves on, it's not about fighting someone else, it's the fight you have inside you,' she said. Tutor Niamh Pentony led weekly classes on nutrition and wellness, followed by gym sessions. 'They've really built up their fitness and confidence week by week,' she said. 'We had great craic this year too.' Cllr Pio Smith, CE Supervisor at The Red Door Project, praised the programme's results, from participants moving into jobs and further education, to the 'soft effects' of improved confidence and lasting lifestyle changes. Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, said the success stories 'show the importance of community-led supports in Drogheda,' while Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, called Boxing Clever 'essential' for health and inclusion. A short film on the programme is now available on Louth County Council's YouTube channel.
Irish Independent
18-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Drug addict admits stealing cash, whiskey and a TV from Louth pub
Nigel O'Brien, Beechwood Avenue, Marleys Lane, Drogheda, who has 69 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to a burglary charge. The defendant has a serious drug addiction and is working towards getting residential treatment, his solicitor said. Evidence was given that at 3.35am on September 17, 2024, Gardaí received an alarm notification of a break-in at the Railway Tavern, Dublin Road, Drogheda. A float of €250 cash, two bottles of whiskey and a 32' television were stolen. A 65' TV valued €2,500 was damaged beyond repair, while it cost €200 to fix a window. Solicitor Paul Moore said that his client had a very serious drug addiction throughout his life. With the help of The Red Door Project he had linked into a pre-entry programme in Coolmine and had an appointment there the next day with a view to getting residential treatment. This was Mr O'Brien's sole focus. His methadone intake had been reduced. He was in a relationship with a partner who had come through addiction. "You look very unwell standing in front of me. I hope tomorrow goes well for you,' Judge Nicola Andrews said to the defendant. The case was adjourned to November 17 for a probation report and for Gardaí to canvass a Victim Impact Statement.
Irish Independent
11-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Louth serial shoplifter jailed for stealing charity boxes
Brian McAuley (34), Avenue Two, Yellowbatter, Drogheda, was before the district court on 19 charges. He has 131 previous convictions. The defendant instructed that he had not been in trouble for the last six months, but Gardaí said that he had taken more charges this year, including for the alleged theft of an iPhone from a car on April 25 last. Solicitor Paddy Goodwin said that his client was back with his fiance who had written a letter to the court. He was on Jobseekers' Allowance and engaging with The Red Door Project. He was asking to engage with the Probation Service again. Judge Gráinne Malone said that she was conscious of the letter's content and of Mr McAuley's pleas of guilty, but he had taken charges as late as April. The court's concerns were that some of the relevant charges were for charity boxes, including one from the Irish Cancer Society shop. Those offences were 'particularly nasty'. 'I have to consider the wider public and there has to be consequences. I could give him two years today but I won't.' Judge Malone marked concurrent seven-month sentences on thefts of a charity box containing €200 cash at St Augustine Priory, Shop Street, Drogheda, on July 11, 2024; and a charity box containing €500 cash at Drogheda's Irish Cancer Society shop on the following July 31. The defendant was handed a four-month consecutive term for theft of €92.92 groceries at Mr Price, Donore Road, on February 24 last. Bail in the event of an appeal was set at a personal bond of €100 with a €300 independent surety.
